Health & Immunizations

Pre-Enrollment Physical Examination

A pre-enrollment physical examination is required of all enrolled students. The immunizations listed below must be completed before entrance to the school including documentation to support completion of all required immunizations. The student is responsible for all costs associated with these requirements. Each student is encouraged to have health insurance while enrolled.

Immunization Requirements

The immunization requirements are as follows:

Varicella/or Positive Titer - Positive history of chickenpox is acceptable. For negative history – strongly recommend immunization.
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)/or Positive Titer All students born in or after 1957 who enter institutions of post-high school education must have documentation of two (2) doses of measles vaccine (preferably given as MMR). If no documentation of MMR administration, must obtain MMR titer screen, or if more cost effective, obtain immunization.
A two-step PPD Tuberculin Skin Test (within last 3 months prior to enrollment) Chest X-ray required if PPD is positive; must complete any testing as recommended by physician.

TWO STEP PPD (TB TEST)

The Four appointment schedule for two-step testing requires that the person:

Visit 1, day 1: Place the first TST and have the employee return in 48 to 72 hours for the test to be read.

Visit 2, day 2 – 3: Evaluate, measure, and interpret the TST. Document the millimeters (e.g. 0 mm, 4 mm, 12 mm)

If the first TST is negative; give the student an appointment to return for placement of the second test in 7 – 21 days.
If the first TST is positive; it indicates that the student is infected with TB. No further testing is indicated. Refer the employee for a chest x-ray and physician evaluation. An asymptomatic student, whose chest x-ray indicates no active disease, is cleared for enrollment.

Visit 3, day 7 – 21 Place the second TST on all students whose first test was negative using the alternate arm.

Visit 4, 48 - 72 hours after second test placed: Evaluate, measure, and interpret the TST. Document the millimeters (e.g. 0 mm, 4 mm, 12 mm).

If the second TST is negative, the student is not infected.
If the second test is positive; it indicates that the student is infected with TB. No further testing is indicated. Refer the student for a chest x-ray and physician evaluation. An asymptomatic student, whose chest x-ray indicates no active disease, is cleared for enrollment.

ALTERNATE TEST

QuantiFERON®–TB GOLD In-Tube test (QFT-GIT) may be substituted if necessary

4. Tetanus – Diphtheria or TDAP (Update required every ten years)

5. Annual Influenza-mandatory unless submitted exemption approved

6. Meningococcal (not mandated, but recommended)

7. Hepatitis B Series/or Positive Titer

8. COVID-19 or approved exemption

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

There are unique concerns within the Health and Human Services areas of study because of clinical rotations, externships, and internship partner requirements. Due to the nature of our programs and program clinical requirements, all students must follow the vaccination requirements of Sovah Health. COVID-19 vaccination or approved exemption prior to enrollment is mandatory.

Please note: There is no guarantee that all clinical affiliates will accept exemptions.

For clinical placements, the school cannot guarantee that a clinical affiliate will approve placement of unvaccinated/exempted student. Therefore, declination of the COVID-19 vaccination without an approved exemption will result in student dismissal from the program.

Providing Proof of Vaccination
By providing proof of vaccination the Student is attesting that the information submitted is truthful and valid. Submission of false documentation is subject to program dismissal, as it is a violation of academic integrity.

The student must submit proof of vaccination within the timeframe communicated by Sovah School of Health Professions. Students are responsible for submitting Proof of Vaccination for all doses of vaccination inclusive of booster doses. Compliance with this vaccination policy is a requirement for enrollment and clinical placement.

Requesting an Exemption
Students may request an exemption from the vaccination requirement and may receive a reasonable accommodation if they:

1. are unable to be vaccinated because of a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), or any similar applicable state law in which case the student must provide signed and dated documentation from a licensed practitioner acting within their scope of practice that includes:

information specifying which COVID-19 vaccine(s) are clinically contraindicated for the student,
the recognized clinical reasons for the contraindications, and
a statement by the licensed practitioner recommending that the student be exempted from the vaccination requirement based on the recognized clinical contraindications, or

2. are unable to receive the vaccination as a result of a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) or any similar applicable state law, or

3. provide documentation supporting a temporary delay in vaccination as recommended by the CDC due to clinical precautions and considerations, including but not limited to individuals with acute illness secondary to COVID-19 and individuals who received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma.

Students requiring a reasonable accommodation based upon applicable federal or state law shall use the forms provided by Sovah School of Health Professions to request an accommodation. Students seeking an exception to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement shall provide the completed form and supporting documentation requesting a reasonable accommodation by the established deadline to allow a decision prior to program enrollment.

Reasonable accommodations will only be granted to those students meeting the requirements for an exemption and will be required to follow all appropriate infection control requirements as a condition of any such exemption, up to and including any applicable additional federal and state law requirements.

Student Health

The health and well-being of students are of vital importance to the School of Health Professions. Students are responsible for maintaining a current health file, which includes the Health Screening components and current immunizations. Documentation of the first dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine, a sufficient Hepatitis B titer, or a signed waiver is required prior to starting clinical experiences. The influenza vaccine and updated annual PPD screening for tuberculosis exposure (PPD) are provided by Sovah - Employee Health. Students must comply with Sovah Health infection control policies and guidelines. Student Health Records submitted during the application process will be maintained by the Sovah Health – Danville Employee Health Department located at the main campus at 142 S Main Street.