Immunization FAQ’s
Q. I did not receive an immunization form in the mail. How do I get one?
A. You may obtain an immunization form from enrollment services or you may access one on the Health Services page of the CCRI web site. Visit www.ccri.edu
· Click on “For Students”
· On the right hand side under SERVICES, click on health services
· Click on immunization information and forms
· click on the immunization form appropriate to you
For your convenience, the immunization form can be printed from a PDF file and used to document all pertinent information. Once completed, mail or drop off the form to:
Health Services Office – Room 1240
CCRI Knight Campus
400 East Avenue
Warwick, RI 02886
Q. I am an older student and my doctor retired/died/etc. How do I get my records?
A. Immunity can be determined by blood testing. (Titers)
Most insurance does not cover this testing (although some will). If you do not have any insurance or have insurance that will NOT cover the testing, (check with your company) you may obtain a lab slip from the school nurse. You will be instructed as to where to go for the testing and advised of the cost which is considerably lower than is customary. The nurse can be reached at (401) 825-2103.
Q. I am unable to obtain any or all vaccinations due to medical or religious reasons. Will I be penalized for not meeting requirements?
A. Anyone, who for various reasons cannot receive vaccine, is required to fill out an exemption form which is obtained from the school nurse. This form, once completed, is not only filed with the school, but with the State of RI as mandated. In the event of a disease outbreak, students who have waived the vaccine to the offending disease will be excluded from school for the duration of the outbreak.
Q. I am a health sciences student and have been told I need a 2 step PPD. What is that?
A. A 2 step PPD involves 2 PPD tests done no less than 2 weeks apart. (Usually 2-4 weeks apart). This testing is done as an initial testing for tuberculosis exposure. Once the 2–step is completed, annual testing is done thereafter. The hospitals have agreed to accept two PPD’s done within a 6 month period as a 2 step. Any student who has been receiving serial annual PPD testing x 3 is exempt from the 2 step PPD test. Submit serial testing.
Q. I am a health sciences student and have tested PPD positive in the past. I cannot receive further PPD testing. What do I do?
A. Anyone who has tested PPD positive in the past must submit the date of the positive PPD and a negative chest x-ray report done following the + PPD. Once a negative chest x-ray has been done, no further x-rays are required. You will be required to have a TB Symptom Assessment done annually. This form can be obtained on the Health Services web page of the CCRI web site. It must be completed by your primary care provider and submitted to the health services office annually.
Q. I am a Health Sciences student and I have not yet received the Hepatitis B vaccine or have not completed the series. I will be starting clinicals soon. Will I be excluded because I have not completed the series?
A. As long as you have started the series, you are eligible to start clinicals. However, you will be excluded if you do not obtain the remainder of the series according to schedule.
The schedule for the Energix B vaccine is as follows:
Dose 1-
Dose 2 = 1 month after dose 1
Dose 3 = 5 months after dose 2
One – two months after initial series, you will need to titer for the SURFACE (HsAb) ANTIBODY to see if you have converted to immune status. If you have not converted, you will be asked to repeat the series.
Q. I am a health sciences student who has been told I need a Tdap vaccine. I have a Td vaccine that has not yet expired. Why do I need a booster?
A. The Tdap vaccine contains protection against pertussis (whooping cough) which has risen in prevalence recently. As result, all health care workers whose Td (tetanus and diphtheria) is more than 2 years old are required to obtain a Tdap. It is the pertussis portion of the vaccine which prompted the new requirement.
Q. I am I health sciences student and was wondering if the influenza vaccine is required.
A. Recently, clinical sites have stated that they want all students to provide documentation that they have either received the flu vaccine or have declined it. This is effective 01/08/08. Flu vaccine clinics will be held at the Lincoln and Knight Campuses. You may check with the Health Office for days and times. If you choose to decline the vaccine, documentation of declination must be submitted. Declination forms can be obtained form Health Services.
Q. I am a health sciences student who has not yet submitted my records because I am waiting to finish all requirements. Is that OK?
A. If you are waiting to finish a series, it is recommended that you send in your records now rather than wait. Do not send information in pieces, but one or two outstanding requirements should not keep you from submitting. Keep in mind that there is a lag time between actual submission and data entry which you must accommodate by getting your information in ASAP. Do not wait until the last minute, leaving NO Time for error!
Q. I need to submit my records. Can I fax them?
A. Yes, you may fax records but in doing so, there is always a risk that the information will not be clear when it arrives or that the fax machine is not functioning properly. The best way to submit records is to hand deliver them or place them in the mail to:
CCRI
Knight Campus
Health Services, Room 1240
400 East Avenue
Warwick, RI 02886