Immunization and Health Requirements for Clinical Students
Student Health Services offers immunizations for current students and registered postdoctoral trainees. Student Health Services does not provide immunizations or testing required for pre-matriculation.
Signed AAMC Standardized Immunization Form
- Access the form using this link: AAMC Immunization Form. This form must be completed and signed by a licensed healthcare professional or designee, such as your primary care provider (PCP) or your Student Health Clinic.
- 2 Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Vaccines OR Positive Titer
- If submitting serologic proof of immunity (titer), a copy of the lab report is required.
Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (DTaP) Vaccine
- One (1) dose of adult Tdap is required. If last Tdap is more than 10 years old, you must receive another tetanus booster (Tdap or Td vaccine).
- 2 Varicella (V) Vaccines OR Positive Titer
- If submitting serologic proof of immunity (titer), a copy of the lab report is required.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Series AND Quantitative Titer
- The titer is required even if you had the Hepatitis B vaccines as a child or adult. A copy of the lab report is required. Hepatitis B series given in childhood is usually 3 doses, meaning we should be provided 3 dates when hepatitis B vaccine was received. Hepatitis B in adulthood can be completed as a 3 dose OR 2 dose series.
- If the titer is non-reactive, you should start a new Hepatitis B vaccine series as soon as possible. To ensure the
- Hepatitis B requirements are completed prior to the start of school, the two (2) dose series (Heplisav-B) is preferred. After the first dose of Heplisav-B, a second dose is given 4 weeks later followed by a titer four weeks after the second dose.
Meningitis Vaccine
- One (1) dose of meningitis vaccine is required for students that are 21 years of age or younger. The vaccine must be administered within the past 5 years and at least 10 days prior to the first day of classes/orientation.
Tuberculosis Screening
One (1) negative TB screening (IGRA blood test with QuantiFERON TB Gold or T-spot preferred; will accept skin testing with PPD) on or after January 1st of the current year is required.
If you have a history of positive tuberculosis testing, you must:
- Document the date of your positive result
- Complete a chest x-ray on or after January 1st of the current year (a copy of the report is required)
- Submit documentation from your provider that you have been counseled on your results and Latent TB Infection (LTBI)
- If you have been treated for LTBI, this documentation from your provider should be included.
Please enter your complete immunization documentation into this Red Cap Survey: https://ais.swmed.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=8TLHKXY3XHDF8CFA
*Not Required: Current influenza vaccine (we will offer you flu vaccination in the fall), COVID-19 vaccines, or physical exam.
All immunization requirements must be met prior to the start of orientation. Immunizations and testing may be obtained from your current Student Health Services, private physician’s office, city/county health department, urgent care, or other clinics of your choice.
- Please call Student Health at 214-645-8690 if you have any questions regarding the required immunizations and necessary documentation for your safe participation in school.
Student Vaccine FAQs
General Questions
- What if I do not have a PCP to sign my Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) form?
You can supply your complete immunization record, titer lab report(s), and TB test results in lieu of having the form signed by a provider.
- If I do not have a PCP, where can I go to get required immunizations and titers?
You can get your immunizations from a local pharmacy (Walgreens, CVS, Walmart etc) or a local urgent care center. You can get your titer(s) at Any Lab Test Now (anylabtestnow.com) or an urgent care center.
- I can’t find my childhood immunization records; what do I do?
You can get a MMR titer, Hep B titer, and Varicella titer to test for immunity. If any of your titers come back negative/non-immune, you will need to complete the full vaccine series. You will need a current Tdap and TB test.
- What if I would like to be exempted from one or more of the vaccination requirements?
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center affiliate institutions do require students training at their locations to comply with all applicable site policies, including vaccinations. Those policies vary by location and some site policies do not contain exemptions.
Hepatitis B
Please start on this requirement early because the process can take a few months from start to completion.
- I don’t have a Hep B titer in my childhood immunization records, is it too late for me to get one now since I had the Hep B vaccines as a child?
No, you can get a quantitative Hep B titer now.
- Where can I get a Hep B titer?
You can contact your PCP, Any Lab Test Now (anylabtestnow.com) or a local urgent care center.
- What do I do if I have a non-reactive titer?
You should start a new Hep B vaccination series.
- What to know about Hep B vaccines?
There are different formulas of the Hep B vaccine. The two-dose series is encouraged (Heplisav-B) due to less waiting time between doses and the titer draw. This process will take 2-3 months if the the two dose series is selected.
- What if classes start before my repeat titer is due? Will this prevent me from starting?
You can still attend orientation/classes with a provisional clearance from Student Health. When your vaccine/ titer is due contact Student Health for an appointment.
Flu Vaccine
- Is a flu vaccine required?
A flu vaccine is only required if you start classes between October 1st and March 31st .
MMR
- What if I have never had the MMR vaccines or I am unsure of my MMR vaccination status and MMR titers do not show immunity?
You will need to receive 2 MMR vaccines, given 28 days apart.
- What if I received 2 doses of MMR, but my titer is still negative/non-immune?
You should receive 1 MMR booster, then repeat the titer 4 weeks later.
- What if classes start before my titer is due? Will this prevent me from starting?
You can still attend orientation/classes with a provisional clearance from Student Health. When your titer is due, contact Student Health and we will place the lab order.
Varicella
- I had chicken pox as a child; what should I do?
You will need to have a varicella titer to prove immunity. History of disease is not accepted as proof of immunity.
- What if I had chicken pox as a child, but have a negative/non-immune titer?
You will need to receive 2 doses of Varicella vaccine, given 28 days apart.
- What if I cannot find documentation of Varicella vaccine and I am not sure if I have had chickenpox?
You will need to receive 2 doses of Varicella vaccine, given 28 days apart.
- What if I received 2 doses of Varicella, but my titer is still negative/non-immune?
You should receive 1 Varicella booster, then repeat the titer 4 weeks later.
TB Testing
- Can I get a TB skin test, or do you require a blood test?
You can get either, as long as it is done on or after January 1st of the year you start.
- Do I have to do 2 TB skin tests?
If you elect to da a TB sin test, you only need to submit 1 negative test done on or after January 1st of the year you start.
- I have had a positive TB test; what do I do?
If your positive test was a TB skin test, it is recommended to have a Quantiferon Gold drawn to rule out a false-positive skin test. If you have had a positive IGRA (Quantiferon Gold or T-Spot), you will need to submit a chest x-ray completed on or after January 1st of the year you start. If you’ve completed latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment, you will need to submit documentation, along with a current chest x-ray.
- What if my last chest x-ray is less than 5 years ago?
You will need to have a new chest x-ray done on or after January 1st of the year you start. This is a requirement when you’re starting at a new institution. This chest x-ray will be valid the time you’re a student at UTSW. However, certain off-campus clinic rotations may require a new one.
