Immunizations

The guidelines for immunizations for students of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine follow the guidelines issued by the AAMC which founded the standardized immunization form in 2015 based on what the CDC recommends for healthcare workers. Carilion Clinic also follows the guidelines issued by the CDC.

Prior to the first day of orientation, students must provide written documentation of immunization for or immunity to all of the infectious diseases below, either by providing documentation of having had the disease or documentation evidencing vaccination or positive blood antibody titer. The following immunizations are required: 

1. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) - 2 doses of MMR vaccine or two (2) doses of Measles, two (2) doses of Mumps and (1) dose of Rubella, or serologic proof of immunity for Measles, Mumps and/or Rubella
2. Hepatitis B – 3 doses of vaccine followed by a QUANTITATIVE Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (titer) preferably drawn 4-8 weeks after 3rd dose. If negative, students must complete a second Hepatitis B series followed by a repeated titer. If Hepatitis B Surface Antibody is negative after secondary series, additional testing including Hepatitis B Surface Antigen should be performed. See this documentation from the CDC for more information.
3. Tetanus - Diphtheria- Pertussis (Tdap) – One (1) dose of adult Tdap. If last Tdap is more than 10 years old, provide the date of last Tdap.
4. Tuberculosis screening – Results of last (2) TSTs (PPDs) or (1) Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test are required regardless of prior BCG status. If you have a history of positive TST (PPD) equal or less than 10mm or positive IGRA please supply information regarding evaluation and/or treatment below.
5. Varicella – Two doses of vaccine or positive serology
6. Influenza – Annual immunization in the fall

In addition, students without record of a positive tuberculosis PPD skin test, including those who have been BCG vaccinated must have a PPD within six months of matriculation. This must be completed annually. The MMR, Hepatitis B, Tdap, PPD, varicella, and influenza vaccines are available for administration through Carilion Clinic’s Occupational Medicine Clinic for a fee. Students are responsible for any expenses incurred. The Occupational Medicine Clinic cannot bill insurers.

All vaccinations can be obtained through the student’s primary health care provider. Students must document receipt of their immunizations using the required AAMC Immunization Form. The form must carry the original signature of a physician or a licensed medical practitioner and the license number or office stamp with address.

Students who do not have appropriate documentation on the first day of class for each academic year can be withdrawn from instructional activities, blocked from registration for subsequent Blocks, or prevented from attending a clinical experience at the discretion of the Vice Dean.

In general, an acceptable plan for completion of the immunization requirement must be in place with the Office of Enrollment Management and Vice Dean in order for the student to continue to attend classes and participate in clinical experiences.

It is the student’s responsibility to keep their immunizations up to date. In addition, students may be required to have additional vaccines as per the CDC or Carilion Clinic recommendations, and/or other medical tests prior to starting classes and/or clinical clerkships, as indicated by the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and the clinical educational affiliate site. Also, further periodic evaluations or tests may be required if indicated or if exposure to an infectious patient occurs while enrolled.

Exceptions to this policy, such as medical contraindications or religious belief, can be discussed on a case by case basis. In the event of a local measles or varicella epidemic, these exempted students will be excluded from group activities, including classes and patient care, until the City Public Health Unit Director/Administration indicates it is safe for the students to return.