Chicken pox (varicella) is a vaccine-preventable disease.  Chicken pox can be a serious and even life threatening illness in certain individuals.  Several hospitals and clinical agencies with whom EMTS is affiliated with for clinical experience now require that we furnish documentation of a history of chicken pox immunity.

DOES NOT MATTER IF YOU HAVE HAD CHICKEN POX IN THE PAST OR NOT.

Option 1) Provide Two (2) separate  doses of Varicella vaccination.

*Note: Varicella vaccines  are given a minimum of 30 days apart.  As long as student has documentation of receiving 2 shots at this point in their life they are compliant. *If the student has only completed  1 vaccination they must complete the series and receive the 2nd shot for a total of 2 doses. * If the student has only proof of 1 vaccination they must complete the series and receive the 2nd shot for a total of 2 doses.

Option 2) If student has never received any Varicella vaccinations or has no proof of any  Varicella vaccinations in the past the student may provide a titer lab report showing immunity.

Current CDC guidelines are confusing and complex.  If you have a history of having a suppressed immune system please contact the school for requirements.  For those who are not immunosuppressed the CDC only recommends a three shot series be completed.  Shot Series:  Typically it is a 3rd shot series followed by blood work to verify results.  Fastest timeline: Shot #2 is give a minimum of 30 days after shot #1 and shot #3 is given a minimum of 2 months after the 2^nd.

Option 1) Must provide appropriate documentation of receiving all three immunization doses at any time prior to course due date.

* If student has records showing they  have started the series but not completed all 3 shots a titer will not be accepted.  Student must complete the entire series.

Option 2) If student has no proof of any hepatitis B vaccines a titer test may be completed showing immunity.  A lab titer report must be provided.

NOTE: Waiver applies to only those students who completed the series and immunity cannot be obtained.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a common and deadly infectious disease that is caused by mycobacteria.  TB most commonly affects the lungs but can also affect the central nervous system, lymphatic system, circulatory system, bones and joints.  An injection (PPD) is typically given in the skin followed by a reading taken 48 to 72 hours later.

Option 1) Provide documentation of a negative PPD TB skin test valid for 6 months prior to the end of the course student registered for. NOTE: TB PPD documentation from pharmacy, clinic and/or doctors office  must provide:  *Name of manufacturer   *Trade name given  * Lot/batch #   *Signature/Initials who gave immunization     *Date of immunization given *Results in mm not just positive or negative.

Option 2) If student is not permitted to complete a PPD TB test because of testing positive in the past the student must provide documentation of the past positive test result and complete one of the following;

1. a) Chest X-ray report showing no TB present within 6 months prior to the end of the course student registered for. b) T-Spot blood test report showing no TB present within 6 months prior to the end of the course student registered for.

The school does offer TB (PPD)  testing in class for $20 which includes the reading of the test 48 to 72 hours after it was given. 

MMR vaccine childhood injection(s) as well as a adolescent/adult booster shot.  CDC suggests that you have:

1. As a child students immunization records may not be documented as MMR but rather lists the vaccines individually (mumps, measles, rubella).  Student need two rounds of childhood measles, mumps and rubella injections at separate times as a child to not be required to take an MMR adolescent/adult booster shot.
2. Option 1) Provide documentation of 2 separate rounds of MMR.
3.     * May both be a child. * May both be as adult/adolescent
4.    * May be a combination of childhood and adult.

Option 2) If student has documentation of only 1 round of MMR but not two the student must complete the series by getting another MMR booster.

Option 3) If student has no recollection or documentation of any MMR shots a blood titer is acceptable indicating immunity.

Tetanus/Diphtheria (Td) or Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap):

Tetanus: also known as lockjaw, is a rare, serious, and preventable disease that affects the body’s muscles and nerves. It often arises from a skin wound that becomes contaminated by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is often found in soil. It is not contagious.   Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap): The difference between Td and Tdap is that Tdap includes pertussis which is whooping cough.

EMT-B students:  Td or Tdap vaccine within 10 years is acceptable. Advance Level Students:  If Td within the last 10 years only, student will need a solo pertussis immunization (whooping cough) added within the last 5 years.  If student have Tdap – pertussis was included in the vaccine.   Simple explanation: 1) You have to have had a Tdap within the last five years.

Influenza – Will be required for the upcoming 2017-2018 flu season.  (Only applies to EMT-B classes that conduct clinicals between November 1st and March 31st) All healthcare workers should receive a flu shot.  Dependent upon flu season risk and clinical sites.  At this time the standard seasonal flu shot is required at all  clinical sites.

Advance EMS Students:  Children’s Medical Center requires season flu immunization year long.  If clinicals start and the current flu season immunizations are available the student is required to be immunized.

NOTE: Flu documentation from pharmacy, clinic and/or doctors office  must provide: *Name of manufacturer   *Trade name given  * Lot/batch #   *Signature/Initials who gave immunization     *Date of immunization given