VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

Required Laboratory Tests and Immunizations VCOM requires that students meet all immunization requirements prior to matriculation and must maintain compliance with these requirements throughout their tenure at VCOM. Students must return the VCOM Immunization Form and Tuberculosis Screening/Testing Form to the Department of Clinical Affairs by the dates specified on the website in order to maintain acceptance status. The forms can be found on the VCOM website at: https://www.vcom.edu/students/student-services-health/student-health-requirements As a part of these requirements, all osteopathic medical students, just as physicians in practice, are required to be current with required immunizations and must do everything possible to prevent the spread of communicable disease. Students, as healthcare providers, must abide by the policies of the affiliated hospitals and clinical practices where VCOM students receive their clinical education and training. The clinical site retains full responsibility for its patients, which encompasses the supervision of students in the direct and indirect care of patients. Clinical sites require medical clearance of students, which includes immunization status and that students are free from infectious disease. Students should be aware that the information shared with clinical sites includes immunization status, any disease status that might affect patient care, and background checks. Therefore, accepted students must report any restrictions prohibiting participation in immunizations or inability to meet the Technical Standards for Admission and Continued Enrollment in advance of enrollment to ensure that students can meet the Technical Standards. VCOM does attempt to provide accommodations, where possible, for medical, religious, or other protected purposes. If such accommodations are not possible, the student may be delayed in their education or unable to complete all educational requirements required for graduation. Students who are requesting accommodations should apply well in advance of enrollment to assure they can complete the educational program. Students should also be aware the international outreach experiences are electives and not required for graduation and as such, students who are not immunized or otherwise at risk, do not participate in such experiences. Required laboratory tests and immunizations may change annually based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), and healthcare facilities. Students will be notified of any changes and will be required to comply with any mandated changes upon receipt of notice from VCOM. Health and immunization requirements are updated annually according to national guidelines and the clinical teaching hospital requirements.

VCOM requires the following laboratory tests, immunizations, and approved boosters:

• Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus • Annual Tuberculosis (TB) test • Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) immunization and titers • Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) test • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

• Varicella • Influenza • COVID-19

Descriptions of VCOM immunization requirements can be found on the VCOM website and are updated annually.

Optional Laboratory Tests and Immunizations • HIV Testing - Although not required, VCOM encourages all students to obtain HIV testing prior to matriculation. Testing prior to matriculation provides students with their baseline status in regard to the presence of HIV infection which will be valuable in the event that a student has an exposure incident during

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