Student Handbook

must specify the type of vaccine and the dates (month, day, year) of administration or the date of disease diagnosis, if any, or the date of serologic testing and results, if any. A student health record from a previously attended school, which properly documents the immunization history previously described, is acceptable as proof of immunity. Requirements for registration and attendance include completion of the SUNY College of Optometry Student Health Form containing the following information: • Medical history • Physical examination • Tuberculosis blood test ( within three months)* o If tuberculosis test is positive, a chest x-ray recording the results, date and place of examination is required. • Proof of two doses of measles vaccine, and one dose each of mumps vaccine and rubella vaccine or serological evidence of antibodies. • The Hepatitis B vaccine (three shots) is strongly recommended but not required. You are, however, required to notify the College if you have received the vaccine, if you will be receiving the vaccine or if you do not wish to receive the vaccine. *The UEC, following guidance from the NYS DOH recently removed the option of the 2-part Tuberculin skin test for initial health assessments. A Tuberculosis blood test ( QuantiFERON Gold) is the recommended TB test and is to be completed within three months of admission to the College( as noted on the student initial health assessment form). Information about Hepatitis B and the Vaccine (Recombinant) All students should be aware of the signs and preventability of Hepatitis B. Since medical history and examination cannot reliably identify all patients infected with Hepatitis B (HBV) or other blood-transmissible pathogens, barrier safeguards should be used by all individuals that provide care to patients at the University Eye Center. Hepatitis B (serum hepatitis) is a disease that is more common in hospital workers than it is in the general population. Those at the highest risk are those whose jobs may result in direct contact with blood, such as patient care workers in emergency rooms and dialysis units, as well as technicians in blood banks and coagulation laboratories. Though optometric student interns are not in this “highest risk” category, they are entering into a profession in which direct patient contact is necessary. This will be true as you rotate through the various clinics at the University Eye Center and various satellite facilities. Since there is always the possibility of infection, no matter how slight, and because this particular disease has received considerable public health attention, the College wishes to make you aware of the options available, should you wish to avail yourself to them. If a student does not comply or does not present acceptable evidence of compliance, the College must refuse to allow the student to continue in attendance.

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