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Protecting You & Your PatientsA Nursing Student’s Guide to Clinical Immunization Requirements

P-27106b Vaccination Requirements Guide Update_12-1301152.indd 3 2/23/17 5:12 PM

It is always better to prevent a disease than to treat it.At Chamberlain College of Nursing, the clinical environment is an essential component of your nursing education. As such, our goal in Chamberlain National Clinical Compliance is to support our students by providing diversi� ed clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare settings, including: hospitals, long-term care facilities, independent practices, ambulatory care centers, VA medical centers and home health environments – anywhere healthcare is delivered.

In order to get the most out of your clinical experiences, it is vital that you familiarize yourself with Chamberlain’s clinical policies and requirements, including our immunization requirements outlined in the following pages. Meeting all clinical compliance guidelines, including immunizations, is important to ensure your safety and the well-being of the patients you serve. Remember, non-compliance in any given semester may lead to denial of admission to clinical agencies and result in unexcused absences, an unsatisfactory clinical grade, course failure and even dismissal from the degree/certi� cate program.

If you have any questions about clinical compliance requirements or need assistance of any kind, contact the National Clinical Compliance Of� ce at [email protected] or 888.556.8CCN(8226).

Vickie R. MudraDirector, Clinical Learning ResourcesChamberlain College of Nursing

NOTE: Original documentation will not be accepted - only clear photocopies. Students are encouraged to keep their original health records and other clinical documentation in case they are requested by Chamberlain at another time for a speci� c agency or partner.

TITER

A titer measures the amount of antibodies against a speci� c antigen in the blood. A blood test that shows rising titers usually means that a speci� c disease is present and that the body is making antibodies to � ght the disease.

BOOSTER

A booster is an additional vaccine dose needed to increase or “boost” antibody levels after childhood immunization protection begins to decrease.

VACCINATION WAIVER

If a person is diagnosed with certain medical conditions, including pregnancy, their doctor may recommend waiting or not receiving a vaccine. If this applies to you, discuss it with your primary care physician, then contact the Chamberlain National Clinical Compliance Of� ce to request a waiver. For more information on pregnancy and vaccination, visit cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/pregnant.html

Questions? Connect with us via:email: [email protected]: chamberlain.edu/clinicals


Hepatitis AA contagious liver disease caused by a Hepatitis A virus infection brought on by toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use and bacterial or viral infections. Hepatitis A can spread by improper hand washing, certain sexual activity and contaminated food or water.

Vaccination is recommended for children, international travelers and people with certain risk factors and medical conditions. The vaccine is safe and effective and given as two shots, six months apart. Both are required for long-term protection.

There is no treatment for Hepatitis A and severity can range from mild, lasting a few weeks, to severe, lasting several months. Some need hospitalization.

Hepatitis BA contagious liver disease caused by a Hepatitis B virus infection that can range in severity from acute, lasting a few weeks, to a chronic, lifelong illness. Hepatitis B is spread by bodily fluid exchange.

The Hepatitis B vaccine is the best-known protection against contracting the disease. It can also be prevented by using condoms, not using illegal IV drugs or sharing needles, and protecting yourself from items that might have blood on them.

There is no medication available to treat acute Hepatitis B. Doctors usually recommend rest, adequate nutrition and fluids. Some need hospitalization. Those infected with Hepatitis B should be evaluated for liver disease.

Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)Measles is the most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses and normally grows in the back of the throat and lungs. Mumps primarily affects the parotid glands, one of three pairs of salivary glands, located below and in front of your ears. Rubella is an acute viral disease sometimes called German or Three-Day Measles. All are spread by coughing and sneezing. Measles is highly contagious. Mumps is spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions, saliva or through fomites.

There are no treatments for Measles, Mumps or Rubella infections, but the MMR vaccination is the best prevention. Most cases require no medical treatment.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENT:

Hepatitis A series as required by clinical site.


Hepatitis B titers or childhood series accepted.


MMR titers showing immunity or childhood series accepted.

Source: Centers for Disease Control. www.cdc.gov/vaccines


Polio (IPV/OPV) Polio is a viral disease of the nervous system. The most severe form causes paralysis, difficulty breathing and sometimes death.

Primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, especially in areas where sanitation is inadequate, the disease can also be transmitted through contaminated water and food.

The most effective prevention is the Polio vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)state that while routine Polio vaccination is not required for adults, those traveling to areas where Polio still occurs or working in laboratory and healthcare settings should take precautions, including immunization.

Varicella (VZV or Chickenpox) An airborne viral disease that causes an itchy rash. It is transmitted by direct contact with the rash or by droplets dispersed into the air by coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread by touching or breathing in the virus particles.

There are several ways to relieve symptoms and prevent skin infections. Calamine lotion and colloidal oatmeal baths may help relieve the itching. Trimmed fingernails may help prevent skin infections caused by scratching. Your healthcare provider can advise you on treatment options.

The Varicella vaccine is the best prevention for this disease.

Tuberculosis (TB)An airborne disease caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, TB usually affects the lungs, but can affect other body parts, such as the brain, kidneys or spine. TB can be fatal if untreated.

TB is spread through coughing or sneezing and perpetuated by people with untreated or an absence of symptoms. Proper, timely diagnosis and annual screenings are the best forms of prevention. Healthcare professionals can prevent contracting TB by wearing a mask while intubating, resuscitating or closely examining the oropharynx of patients.

Tuberculosis can be treated by taking several drugs for 6 to 12 months.


Polio vaccination as required by clinical site.


Varicella titers or childhood series accepted.


One-time, two-step PPD completed to screen for TB; regular annual PPD thereafter.


Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)Tetanus is a disease of the nervous system caused by bacteria. Referred to as lockjaw, it enters the body through a break in the skin.

Diphtheria is a respiratory disease caused by bacteria and spreads by coughing and sneezing.

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a disease caused by the Bordetella Pertussis bacteria and is very contagious.

The Tdap vaccine can prevent these diseases. Adolescents 11 through 18 and adults should receive a single dose of Tdap (booster), especially if pregnant or in close contact with infants.

InfluenzaInfluenza is a highly infectious virus that is spread through coughing, sneezing and even touching a contaminated object and then touching the mouth or nose.

Adults rarely have upset stomachs or diarrhea from Influenza. The “stomach flu” is not Influenza.

The Influenza vaccine helps prevent this virus and is highly recommended for infants, the elderly and healthcare workers. The CDC and Joint Commission recommend mandatory vaccination policies for healthcare workers. Several Chamberlain clinical partners currently require vaccination as a pre-condition of the clinical experience.

Meningococcal DiseaseA severe bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, bloodstream and other localized infections. Symptoms develop and progress rapidly and can lead to death in 24 to 48 hours. Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Meningococcal disease can be passed via respiratory secretions. Healthcare workers can prevent contracting Meningococcal disease by wearing a mask while intubating, resuscitating or closely examining the oropharynx of patients.

Bacterial Meningitis can be treated with a number of effective antibiotics which should reduce the risk of death to below 15 percent.


Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis booster (within past 10 years).


An annual flu vaccination is required.


The Meningococcal vaccination is recommended but not required.


Immunization History Requirements

The following immunizations are required in order to be in compliance for clinical placement. Students who are non-compliant in any session may be prevented from further registration. As a result, the student would no longer be able to further progress in the program, and would be denied admission to clinical agencies and result in unexcused absences, an unsatisfactory clinical grade, course failure and even dismissal from the degree/certi� cate program.

Measles, Mumps & Rubella titers showing immunity or childhood series accepted

Varicella titers or childhood series accepted

Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis booster (within past 10 years)

One-time, two-step PPD completed to screen for TB; regular annual PPD thereafter (documentation showing test date, read date and result required)

Hepatitis B titers or childhood series accepted

In� uenza (� u) vaccine

Hepatitis A series and Polio vaccination may be required at certain clinical sites.

Your National Clinical Compliance Team and your campus clinical coordinator are here to assist you in any way we can to achieve and maintain compliance. Our goal is to help you get the most out of your clinical experiences, and that starts with making sure you are in compliance and eligible to be on site at any one of our clinical partners.

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your campus clinical coordinator for assistance. Connect with us via:email: [email protected]: chamberlain.edu/clinicals

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU


PROGRAM COMPLIANCE DEADLINE

BSN pre-licensure students entering college in Semester 1 or 2 Friday of Week 7 of session start

BSN pre-licensure students entering college in Semester 3 Friday of Week 7 of session start

ADN pre-licensure students entering college in Semester 1 Friday of Week 7 of session start

ADN pre-licensure students entering college in Semester 2 Friday of Week 7 of session start


Accreditation and Approvals Chamberlain College of Nursing is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, 101 N. 14th Street, 10th floor, James Monroe Building, Richmond VA 23219, 804.225.2600. Chamberlain College of Nursing is approved to operate by the Virginia Board of Nursing Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233-1463, 804.367.4515. Unresolved complaints may be reported to the Illinois Board of Higher Education through the online complaint system http://complaints.ibhe.org/ or by mail to 1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333, Springfield, IL 62701-1377. Chamberlain College of Nursing is authorized for operation by the THEC, http://www.tn.gov/thec. For the most updated approvals by state information, visit chamberlain.edu/stateapprovals.

Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended Chamberlain College of Nursing can be found at chamberlain.edu/ge

12-130115.2 ©2017 Chamberlain College of Nursing LLC. All rights reserved. 0217ccnlcp2.5m

3005 Highland Parkway, Downers Grove, IL 60515

Phone: 888.556.8CCN (8226) | email: [email protected]


protecting you & your patients - chamberlain you & your patients a nursing student’s guide...

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