Immunization FAQs

Why isn’t my immunization record sufficient for proof of immunity?

The University of Nebraska Medical Center adheres to the recommended guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for healthcare workers. Proof of immunity must be verified via blood titers for Varicella and Hepatitis B. Immunity for Tetanus and Pertussis is verifiable by a recent dose of Tetanus Diphtheria Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine.

What if I had the Varicella infection (chickenpox) as a child?

In most cases, your titer will prove sufficient for immunity if you had the infection in the past. If you've never had chickenpox, you will be required to complete a two-dose series for Varicella. (Note: Just having a history of chickenpox is not enough. You need to also have a titer to verify/prove immunity.)

I started the Hepatitis B series, but never completed it. Do I need to start the series over?

Generally, it isn’t necessary to restart the series. Most likely you would need to receive the missing doses as indicated, wait 30 days and then get a Hepatitis B Surface Antibody titer drawn. As a reminder, if your titer is negative, you must complete a second Hepatitis B series with a follow-up titer.

I had the PPD (TB skin test) last year. Do I need another one?

Yes. However, there are two steps involved in Tuberculosis testing, and you may not need both steps. The first time a person receives the TB test, he or she must complete the two-step test. After receiving the two-step test, the annual test is just a one-step test.

If you have documentation that you have received the two-step test previously and have an uninterrupted history of annual testing, then you only need the one-step test within six months prior to registration. However, if you have never been tested for TB, or you have been tested but do not have an uninterrupted history of annual testing, then you must do the two step test within six months prior to registration.

It seems like UNMC’s immunization requirements are quite extensive. Why is this?

It is our intent to provide knowledge of, and take precautions to prevent, communicable diseases for students preparing to enter the healthcare profession. These immunization requirements enable us to ensure the health and safety across the entire UNMC community (patients, faculty and students, and visitors).

I was administered my vaccinations or lab tests at the Student Health clinic or Employee Health. Do I still need to submit that information to the Student Health office?

Yes, due to HIPAA regulations, we do not have access to your medical record and do not know when you are seen in the clinic. Please update your immunization record by logging on to MyRecords and updating the date as well as submitting the back-up documentation as an attachment.