Immunisations Screening and Vaccination programmes

Immunisations Screening and Vaccination programmes are required for staff and students who are at particular risk of blood borne viruses as a result of their work.

Health Care Students

All healthcare students must comply with Department of Health guidelines on immunisations and screening required to protect them and their patients during the course of their work. Appropriate immunisations and blood tests will be provided for students on commencement of their programme taking into account previous vaccinations they may have already had.

All students will be issued with fitness certificates once the required Immunisations and blood screening has been completed. Different health care programmes require different blood screening and vaccinations, but usually a certificate will be produced after the following has been met;

  • Completion of Hepatitis B vaccine programme (where indicated) OR evidence of immunity
  • Evidence of 2 varicella vaccines (Chickenpox) OR evidence of immunity to varicella (Chickenpox)
  • TB screening
  • Exposure Prone Procedure (EPP) screening (where required)
  • Evidence of 2 MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccines OR evidence of immunity

Further information

A Short Guide to Occupational Health Clearance for new Students on Health Care Programmes link

Employees/Postgraduates

Manager/Principle Investigator/schools safety officers are responsible for identify those employees/postgraduates who my require immunisation based upon appropriate risk assessments for the work to be undertaken. Risk assessments for the following work should consider the need for vaccination

  • Culturing or handling of human pathogens or purified biological toxins
  • Handling or processing of human blood, serum or tissue specimens
  • Contact with patients or work in clinical areas of hospitals (Research Passports)

Occupational Health does not provide vaccinations for:

  • leisure or sporting activities.
  • student expeditions, unless a required component of a teaching or research programme.
  • holiday travel.
  • personal health reasons incidental to work e.g., annual influenza vaccination of vulnerable individuals.