Physician Assistant Studies: Immunization Policy

Upon admission, students will be required to submit proof of immunization for hepatitis B and MMR in accordance with University policy. Additionally, the program requires that all students maintain immunizations as recommended by the CDC for healthcare providers. Therefore, all PA students must have proof of immunization to the recommended CDC vaccine preventable illnesses, to include Hepatitis B, influenza, MMR, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, on record with the program prior to matriculation. Immunizations and health screenings must be updated prior to direct patient contact, before starting the clinical year of the program, and yearly thereafter for any student extending enrollment in the program.^[1]

• Though not an immunization, students must have a two-step PPD (with negative results) within the last year; in addition, a negative PPD will need to be current for the entire duration of the program. This documentation OR a negative chest X-ray must be supplied to the Physician Assistant Studies Program. The QuantiFERON Gold TB blood test may be used as an appropriate substitution in lieu of the two-step PPD (and annually thereafter) and for students having previously been vaccinated with BCG.
• Although the meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine is not required by the PA program, it is required by the State of Oklahoma for students living in college-owned and operated residence halls. Therefore, students must either provide written documentation of meningitis immunization or sign a waiver to indicate they have been informed about this disease and vaccine and have chosen not to be immunized if they are living on the Tahlequah campus. This form is provided by Student Health Services. Otherwise, the meningococcal vaccine is only for those who are routinely exposed to isolates of N. meningitidis.
• Flu and COVID vaccines will be expected to be completed at the appropriate time each year the student is enrolled in the program.
• Students will also need to show completion of vaccination against COVID-19 prior to the start of the clinical phase. This requirement is mandated by rotation sites and if not properly vaccinated, will prevent a student from being assigned to that site.  The program will not guarantee that a student will satisfy requirements for completion of the degree without this and other vaccinations.

Facilities and hospitals may require additional immunizations and titers which students must obtain prior to starting supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) at those sites. Information regarding these additional requirements will be made available to students on the student SCPE tracking site.

Failure to comply with the immunization policy for the Physician Assistant Studies Program or any additional immunizations and titers for SCPEs will result in the inability to enter, continue with, or complete the program.

All costs incurred in complying with this policy are the responsibility of the student.

The immunization policy is subject to change at any time to comply with ARC-PA Standards, Northeastern State University, hospital policies, or the CDC guidelines. The NSU Physician Assistant Studies Program will make every attempt to notify its students of these changes in a timely manner. Current guidelines and recommendations are reviewed annually at the faculty retreat.

^[1] ARC-PA Standard A3.07