To protect themselves, patients and other individuals they will be working with, it is important that students maintain an up-to-date immunization status. The University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy requires that students fulfill the Michener Institute Immunization requirements. These requirements meet the immunization standards and associated health practices set forth in:
- The Public Hospitals Act 1990, Revised Statutes of Ontario, Regulation 965
- Communicable Disease Surveillance Protocols published jointly by the Ontario Hospital Association and the Ontario Medical Association and approved by the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
- Canadian Immunization Guide: Part 3 - Vaccination of Specific Populations
Records of past immunizations can typically be obtained by students from their parents, family physician, or local Public Health Unit. Students are responsible for maintaining their immunizations and are required to submit up-to-date records of the immunizations listed below.
University of Waterloo Health Services is available to assist students with the completion of immunization requirements.
Forms
Immunization Record Form (Year 1 Students) and Immunization Record Form (Year 4 Students)* can be downloaded from the Important Forms section on the Verified platform.
*Note: Some practice sites may require students to complete a site-specific immunization form in addition to the School’s Immunization Record Form. Please check your site-specific pre-rotation requirements once practice site schedules are determined.
Tuberculosis
Except as noted below, students must have a two-step Mantoux test. This test involves two injections that are spaced 1–3 weeks apart.
Exceptions
- If a student has previously had a negative two-step Mantoux test AND has a record of completion, a single step Mantoux test is to be administered.
- If the student is known to be skin test positive, the Mantoux test is not recommended. Documentation of skin-test positive history and chest x-ray must be submitted.
- Individuals who react positively to a Mantoux test require medical assessment and follow up chest x-ray and counselling. Students are advised to keep a copy of the report of the chest x-ray for their own records.
- If a student develops symptoms of tuberculosis or is exposed to tuberculosis while enrolled in the Pharmacy program, they are expected to obtain the necessary medical assessment, treatment and counselling recommended. The student must notify the School’s Pharmacy Advisor team.
Hepatitis B
Students must have proof of a completed series of Hepatitis B vaccine AND a blood test for antibody titres. The completed series is typically 3 injections given at baseline, 1 and 6 months, although alternate schedules also exist and range between 2 to 4 injections. Students who receive non-reactive titre results must undergo a complete second series of immunizations and follow-up blood test to confirm immunity.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Proof of a series of two MMR immunizations should be documented. Such immunization must have taken place after 1980. Immunity may also be proven through a blood test for antibody titres (If only one MMR vaccination is documented a second series or booster may be required).
Varicella (Chicken Pox)
Students must submit proof of positive Varicella antibody titres or documented evidence of receipt of 2 varicella vaccine doses at least 4 weeks apart. Self-report of chicken pox is no longer sufficient evidence of immunity.
Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
Proof of a primary series of at least 3 doses of Tdap vaccine plus a Td booster within the last 10 years.
Polio
Proof of a complete primary series of polio vaccinations is required. If immunization is required and oral poliomyelitis (OPV) vaccine is to be used, the health care professional should be aware of the timing of co-op work placements so as to ensure the student will not be shedding live virus and inadvertently exposing immunocompromised patients. For this reason, inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine (IPV) is recommended.
COVID-19
In an effort to protect public health and reduce the spread of illness, COVID-19 vaccination is required for all members of campus and several of our experiential learning sites. Proof of primary series (usually 2 doses) is required plus the most recent booster. Some institutional and LTC sites require proof of booster doses.
Influenza (strongly recommended)
As students will be working with the public and patients throughout the Pharmacy program, it is strongly recommended that all Pharmacy students receive the influenza vaccine (especially during Fall and Winter work terms). Although this vaccine is not currently required by the School, clinical sites may refuse to allow students on site who have not been vaccinated, or require students to follow particular guidelines.
Individual work term or site requirements
Individual work term employers or other placement sites may impose additional requirements on Pharmacy students. Details will be provided by the employer or the School of Pharmacy, prior to the commencement of the applicable term.
Students with communicable diseases
Students with communicable diseases (e.g. tuberculosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV infection) are required to inform the School’s Pharmacy Advisor team of their condition. All students are expected to be in a state of health such that they may participate in the academic program, including patient care, without posing a risk to themselves or others. Students with the above diseases, or other communicable infectious diseases, must obtain counseling regarding how to safely participate in work terms to reduce the risk to themselves and others. All information on the health status of students shall remain confidential.