Immunisation requirements

Immunisation guidelines for Deakin Health Science students (nursing and dietetics) 2013

Introduction

• This information is a guide only and does not replace the need for individual consultation.
• In addition this information does not strictly follow the HCW guidelines in the Australian Immunisation Handbook 9^th edition or the Immunisation for Health Care Workers 5^th edition (DHS 2006) but are guidelines formulated on the advice of Deakin University School of Nursing and clinical agency requests.
• Please bring ALL vaccination and blood test records to EACH appointment.

It is recommended that students enrolling in / undertaking relevant Deakin University under/postgraduate courses review / be vaccinated or blood tested (as per Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th edition guidelines) for:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Meningococcal C
• Pertussis (dtpa) (whooping cough)
• Influenza (health care workers are required to have yearly vaccination preferably during autumn (March to May)
• ADT (combined tetanus / diphtheria)
• Polio
• MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
• Chickenpox (varicella).
• Complete a Mantoux test OR Quantiferon blood test after course commencement AND ongoing as advised by your school or placement agency

Several clinical placement agencies require that students are vaccinated / blood tested as outlined above before undertaking clinical placement and / or graduate employment. Deakin University Medical Centres provides detailed advice, blood testing and administer all necessary vaccinations prior to commencement of clinical placements and/or employment.

Hepatitis B vaccination

Hepatitis B vaccination consists of three injections at 0, 1 and 6 months or rapid schedule day 0, 7, 21 with a 4^th booster at 12 months. Post vaccination serology should be completed 4-8 weeks after completion of a hepatitis B primary course.

Hepatitis A vaccination

Hepatitis A vaccination consists of two injections at 0, 6-12 months, which is estimated to provide 20 years to lifetime protection. Please note: Twinrix (combined hepatitis A and B) is also available, consisting of 3 injections at 0, 1 and 6 months or rapid schedule as above.

Mantoux testing or Quantiferon blood testing (Tuberculosis screening)

Human Services Victoria TB program recommends healthcare workers require Mantoux testing only. Mantoux testing is a two part screening test for TB. Day one a small skin test is given in the forearm which is 'read' three days later. A Mantoux testing certificate is issued after the reading. Testing dates are available from Student Life reception or Deakin Medical Centre current programs.

Students can also undertake Quantiferon blood testing (as an alternate screening method) if Mantoux testing is not available. This blood test can be done at Deakin Medical Centre or from your local general practitioner.

Other requirements:

• Five documented tetanus containing vaccinations including one recent pertussis (dtpa) vaccination
• Three documented polio containing vaccinations. For at risk Health care workers 10 yearly boosters are currently desirable.
• Documentation of chickenpox vaccination OR blood test stating immunity to chickenpox
• One Meningococcal C vaccination
• Two documented MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations (if born after 1966 you may require a booster dose)or blood tests stating immunity to measles, mumps and rubella
• Yearly documented influenza vaccination

Further information or to make a vaccination/blood test appointment

Vaccination/blood test appointments can be made by phone or in person at Deakin Medical Centre.

If you have an enquiry please email us at askanurse@deakin.edu.au