The Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine requires immunization of all students. Requirements are guided by current recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for health care providers.

Prior to matriculation, students are required to provide Academic Affairs with official documentation of: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), two immunizations.

• Tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap): One Tdap vaccine is required, prior to matriculation if last Tetanus/diphtheria (Td) was given 2 years or more ago. If the last Td was given within two years of matriculation, then the Tdap will be required at the end of the two year period. Following administration of one Tdap, a Td will be required every 10 years. (Based on recommendations of the CDC published in MMWR, December 15, 2006, Vol. 55, No. RR-17) International students must provide documentation of receiving the primary DTP series as well as a current Tdap. Any student may be asked to provide complete documentation of the DTP/DT and polio primary series depending upon individual hospital requirements. This documentation, however, is not required for OU-HCOM matriculation.

• Hepatitis B Series: Series dates and positive (>10 ml/IU) serologic proof of immunity required.  At least 2 of the 3 doses of the Hepatitis B series must be completed prior to the start of Clinical and Community Experiences. The third dose must be received prior to February 1 of Year 1. Students who have a history of Hepatitis B exposure or who are a Hepatitis B carrier must adhere to the OU-HCOM Guidelines for Hepatitis B Prevention and Management.

• Varicella history or 2 vaccines and serologic proof of immunity required.  A student who cannot verify through personal history or history obtained from parent/guardian that he/she has had chicken pox is required to receive the varicella vaccine. Students who are uncertain of chicken pox history may elect to first obtain a titer. If the titer is negative the student is required to receive two varicella immunizations as recommended by the CDC.

• Annual influenza vaccination is advised but not required.

• Students who are accepted to OU-HCOM and students on the alternate list will receive a letter explaining immunization and serologic proof of immunity requirements and the Immunization Status Report (ISR) form (Attachment A) from Academic Affairs. Students may also obtain immunization information from the OU-HCOM web page. If a student is unable to provide documentation, he/she is considered unvaccinated. Students are expected to receive required immunizations prior to the first day of classes. Charges for immunizations and antibody titers are the responsibility of the student.

• The Office of Academic Affairs maintains immunization records and assist students as needed. A copy of the student immunization record is sent to the CORE Hospital where each Year 3 student is assigned. It is the responsibility of the CORE Assistant Dean to oversee student immunization requirements in Years 3 and 4, including those students from Affiliate Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine that are in the CORE system.

       Attachments: Immunization Status Report, Required Immunizations for OU-COM Students

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Last updated: 02/17/2012