For the protection of students, clients, and other employees, students are required to provide documentation of immunity to certain communicable diseases that can be prevented by immunization. Pre-admission physical examination records must be provided to the nursing school office prior to arrival into the nursing program.
The following immunizations/screenings are required:
Immunization and Diagnostic Testing Requirements
- All students admitted must have the required immunizations on admission and maintain all immunization requirements throughout their attendance in the program as outlined below.
- Further immunizations and documentation may be required as administration determines appropriate.
Required Immunizations
- Measles virus vaccine (Rubeola). Each student must document immunity to Measles. Immunity is indicated by one of the following:
- Documented immunization of two doses of measles virus vaccine, live attenuated, or any vaccine combination containing measles antigen with the first administered on or after the student's first birthday.
- Serologic laboratory evidence of measles immunity (TITER).
- Mumps virus vaccine. Each student shall document immunity to mumps. Immunity is indicated by one of the following:
- Documented immunization of one dose of mumps virus vaccine, live attenuated, or any combination containing mumps antigen that was administered on or after the student's first birthday.
- A history of a physician diagnosed mumps disease substantiated by a physician’s statement.
- The MMR vaccine may be used instead of individual measles and mumps vaccines. Two doses are needed, the first dose at 12 months of age or later
- Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap).
- Each student shall document a Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis initial vaccination (ADACEL) within the last 10 years and every 10 years thereafter.
- Hepatitis B Virus. Each Student must document immunity to Hepatitis B Virus. Immunity is indicated by:
- Documented record of the three (3) doses of the vaccine and serologic laboratory evidence of Hepatitis B immunity. (TITER)
- Students who have not been vaccinated in the past must have the first of three (3) doses obtained prior to starting the program. The remaining two (2) doses may be taken once enrolled. A titer must be drawn after completion of the series to document immunity.
- Flu Vaccination
- Students must get an annual flu vaccine in order to attend all assigned clinical rotations.
- COVID-19 Vaccination
- Students are required to have 2 COVID-19 vaccinations plus a booster and any other additional requirements as directed by the Medical Center or Clinical Affiliates
- COVID-19 vaccination cards to be uploaded on the Castle Branch account.
Required Diagnostic Testing
- Rubella – TITER REQUIRED
- Each student must certify immunity to Rubella. Immunity is indicated by serologic laboratory evidence of rubella titer. A history of the disease or record of immunization does NOT provide adequate documentation of immunity.
- Tuberculosis screening
- Each student will be tested for TB using the two-step Mantoux test (PPD), QuantiFERON TB Gold or T-spot test required by the State of New Jersey.
- If the PPD test is positive a chest X-ray is required within one year of admissions.
- Students who test positive for TB must be evaluated for the presence of active disease and possible prophylaxis through their private physician according to Capital Health Policy.
- Students with current pulmonary or laryngeal TB will be excluded from the classroom and clinical areas until treatment has begun and they are cleared by Employee Health.
- Varicella Zoster
- Each student must provide a physician substantiated history of varicella.
- If the history is negative, a varicella titer must be obtained.
- Students with a negative history and negative titer will need to be vaccinated.
All students must have the required immunizations on admission, Further immunizations and documentation may be required as administration determines necessary.
All students are required to carry some form of health/hospitalization insurance.