Health and Immunization Policy

Berkshire Community College

Nursing, Health & Wellness Division

Health and Immunization Policy

Immunization Requirements: Students entering the BCC Nursing, Physical Therapy Assistant and Respiratory Therapy programs are required to follow the immunization policy for BCC health students. Students must submit proof of compliance with immunizations by:

Fall Physical Therapy Assistant	August 1^st
Fall Respiratory Therapy	August 1^st
Fall ADN Program	June 1^st
Fall PN Program	August 1^st
Fall Bridge Program	August 1^st
Spring ADN Program	December 1^st
Spring Bridge Program	December 1^st

Please note: The Hep B series may take up to six months to complete. Students should plan accordingly. Immunization information may be shared with the Dean of Nursing, Program Directors, Administrative Assistant, Immunization Office, and contracted agencies to allow for clinical experiences.

MANDATORY HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

(BCC Immunization policy developed according to MDPH Immunization Program 2024-2025 School Year and per requirements of clinical sites)

HEP B	Required Immunization for Hepatitis B
HEP B	Hepatitis B proof of positive titer that demonstrates immunity. Hepatitis B surface antibody HBsAB* documentation is required* If immunity is not seen: Complete: 3 series doses of Hepatitis B vaccine on a 0, 1- and 6-month schedule OR 2 series dose of Heplisav-B on 0 and 1 month schedule may be completed.
TDaP	T-dap vaccine within 10 years (and every 10 years)
MMR	MMR: Proof of positive titer that demonstrates immunity. If immunity is not seen, 2 series dose of MMR vaccine.
Varicella	Varicella: Proof of positive titer that demonstrates immunity. If immunity is not seen 2 series dose Varicella vaccine
TB	TB: Documentation of negative test: Either test below is acceptable. 1. T-Spot or Quantiferon bloodwork results. (Valid for 10 years unless affirmative answers on annual “TB” interview form, then testing may be repeated) 2. Tuberculin Skin Testing report. (Valid for 1 year)
Influenza Vaccine	During regular flu season (Oct-March). Declination is only allowed if there is documented allergy and is determined on a case by case basis by the clinical sites.
Meningococcal	1 dose; 1 dose MenACWY (formerly MCV4) required for all full-time students 21 years of age or younger. The dose of MenACWY vaccine must have been received on or after the student’s 16^th birthday. Doses received at younger ages do not count towards this requirement. Students may decline MenACWY vaccine after they have read and signed the MDPH Meningococcal Information and Waiver Form provided by their institution. Meningococcal B vaccine is not required and does not meet this requirement.
Covid Vaccine	COVID vaccine is REQUIRED by some clinical sites and is HIGHLY recommended for ALL clinical sites. Waivers may be a requirement of each clinical site.

Waiver/Declination

Depending on clinical site a student may be able to decline the current COVID vaccine. Proof of approved declination will be necessary. Students should be aware that Covid declination may result in further precautions per the clinical site; including mandatory masking/additional PPE use as well as additional COVID testing.

If a student is unable to receive an immunization due to medical and/or religious reasons, they must discuss a waiver with the Dean of Nursing, Health & Wellness and provide documentation of the need for a waiver. If a waiver is granted by the clinical facilities, documentation must be filed in the Nursing Immunization and Medical Records Office. Both medical exemptions and declinations must be reviewed/renewed on the appropriate forms annually. If a student cannot complete clinical due to immunization requirements, then he/she/they cannot complete the course.

Drug Screening

Please be advised that students enrolled in certain programs which require clinical or fieldwork study may be required by the placement affiliate agency to undergo and pass a drug screening analysis in order to be eligible. Students who either fail to pass, or refuse to submit to a drug screening analysis will be deemed ineligible for clinical placement, which will affect their status in the program.

Verification of Student Health History and Physical Exam

In addition to the Mandatory Immunization Requirements, all students enrolled in health care programs are required to have the Verification of Student Health History and Physical Exam report completed by their health care provider indicating that they are able to perform the essential functions for the program. The signed Verification form must be current. If deferred for one semester use original form. If deferred for two semester a new form is needed.

Cohort	Due by:	No sooner than:
Fall Physical Therapy Assistant	August 1^st	March 1^st
Fall Respiratory Therapy	August 1^st	March 1^st
Fall ADN Program	June 1^st	March 1^st
Fall PN Program	August 1^st	March 1^st
Fall Bridge Program	August 1^st	March 1^st
Spring ADN Program	December 1^st	July 1^st
Spring Bridge Program	December 1^st	July 1^st

Failure to Comply

A student will not be allowed to participate in the clinical experience without all health requirements fully complete.

Submit requirements to the Nursing, Health and Wellness Medical Records Office located in the Hawthorne building, office #323, Berkshire Community College Main Campus.

Telephone: 413-236-4609; Fax: 800-724-9943; medicalrecords@berkshirecc.edu

Created Nursing Faculty Committee – 5/1/23; Reviewed 10/2/23; Revised 10/30/23, 12/4/23, 12/11/23, revised 2/5/24, revised 4/19/24, Nursing, Health & Wellness on 5/6/24