1.1.4 Vaccination/Immunization Requirements

A COMPULSORY Immunization program exists at McGill for students in the Health Sciences Programs. Health Sciences students must start the immunization process as soon as they are accepted at McGill and must complete it well before they are permitted contact with patients. Entry into the McGill University Teaching Hospitals may be delayed if immunizations are incomplete.

Proof of immunity must be written and signed by either a nurse or a physician and include the following:

1) Proof of primary series vaccinations for Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and proof of Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio (Salk) vaccination boosters within the last 10 years.

2) Proof of live Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccination received after 12 months of age and of a second measles vaccination, or positive serology for each of these agents.

3) Proof of a TWO step PPD skin test for Tuberculosis using the Mantoux method within the last 12 months or documentation of previously positive PPD and a normal chest x-ray.

5) Proof of Hepatitis B vaccination and positive anti-hepatitis B surface antigen serology (i.e. anti-HBs). "Immunity" to hepatitis B may be documented by both a positive anti-Hepatitis B core antigen serology (i.e. anti-HBc) and absence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (i.e. HBsAg). In this latter case, vaccination is not necessary.

There are no exceptions to these requirements. Students who do not meet these requirements will be asked to withdraw.

Health Sciences students who think they might be infected or think they have been exposed to a blood-borne disease should be tested for any or all blood-borne pathogens.
Students who are seropositive for Hepatitis B, C, HIV and/or any other blood-borne pathogens have an obligation to notify the Dean or Director of the school as soon as they know their serologic status. These students will be referred to the Infected Health Care Worker Committee of the McGill University Teaching Hospital Council or any similar body having the same function in respect of University's students. This Committee will make recommendations to the students and Faculty based on current scientific knowledge and relevant guidelines and practices. Students must follow the recommendations of the Committee. The Committee may recommend restricting the practice of these students. Students who carry blood-borne pathogens may not be permitted to perform procedures involving needles, scalpels or other sharp objects as this may pose a risk to patients and co-workers. This means that they may not be able to complete their clinical requirements and may be required to withdraw.

Applicants who know they are carrying blood-borne pathogens should consider carefully their intention to become healthcare workers and govern themselves accordingly.

Students involved in patient care who develop any contagious disease placing patients at risk must immediately discuss their condition with their supervisor and they may be required to temporarily stop clinical activities. McGill University considers it important for Health Sciences students to fulfill their ethical obligation to patients by taking appropriate measures to minimize the transmission of disease.

Students will receive details of the immunization requirements with their acceptance package. Immunizations can be completed at McGill Student Health Services which operates during the summer.