Health and Immunization

At Michener, we believe that your physical well-being is an essential component of your educational success. A wide range of health services are available to meet students' needs. The Health Services Office is part of the Student Services team and is staffed by an Occupational Health Nurse.

Health Services Office
Room 442
(416) 596-3101 x3320
Office Hours: 0830-1630h

The Public Hospitals Act requires that, on admission to a Michener program and/or in preparation for entering the clinical work placement environment, each student must have the following:

• A health review and tuberculosis testing (baseline 2-step TB skin test, annual TB test)
• Proof of immunization within the last ten years against tetanus, diptheria and polio
• Immunization against measles, mumps and rubella since 1982 or proof of immunity
• Hepatitis B vaccine (available for a minimal cost from the Health Services Office)

Any changes in the Public Hospitals Act and/or immunization requirements will be communicated to you by Health Services.

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, to patients or to others.

All students are expected to understand and adhere to infection control policies, including the principles of body substance precautions, when participating in the examination and care of all patients, and patient specimens regardless of the diagnosis.

Although students are sometimes exposed to diseases during their clinical work placement, it is rare that a student contracts a disease in the workplace.

Immunization Policy

All students must meet Michener 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

Immunization requirements, with a health record form, are forwarded to applicants who have accepted an offer to register in a program.

Documented proof of current immunization status must be provided on registration. Students are required to submit the completed health record to Michener Health Services.

Michener Health Services will review received health records to ensure students meet Michener immunization requirements.

Students are responsible for maintaining their immunizations for the full time that they are registered in a Michener program. The Health Nurse is available during the academic year to assist students to update immunizations.

Specific immunizations required

1. Tuberculosis

On admission to the program:

• In the absence of a documented two-step Mantoux test in the year prior to admission, a baseline two-step Mantoux test is required.
• Individuals who react positively require medical assessment and follow up chest x-ray and counseling. Students are advised to keep a copy of the report of the chest x-ray for their own records.

Thereafter:

• Students who have a negative Mantoux test must obtain a one-step Mantoux skin test within three months of beginning clinical training in any year of the program.
2. Hepatitis B
• In the absence of previous documented Hepatitis B vaccination, students must arrange as soon as possible (with family physician or Michener Health Services) to receive the initial injection of the vaccine with subsequent injections of the mandatory three part series to follow one and six months later. It takes 8-9 months for the Hepatitis B vaccination and blood titre to be completed. The vaccine is available at cost at Michener Health Services.
• Following vaccination, all students are assessed for Hepatitis B surface antibody.
3. Measles, Mumps, Rubella
• A MMR vaccine is required unless documented proof of prior completed immunization is available. Such immunization must have taken place after 1980. Immunity may also be proven through a blood test for antibody titres.
4. Chicken Pox
• Students without a clear history of chicken pox will be tested for VZV titre
• Individuals lacking immunity will be counselled regarding the implications for clinical practice and advised of the availability of the Varicella Vaccine
5. Tetanus/Diphtheria and Polio
• Immunization against tetanus, diphtheria and polio is effective for ten years
• This immunization must remain current during the time span of the program
• TB skin tests and TdP/MMR vaccines are provided free of charge at Michener Health Service

Health Insurance

All registered international students at Michener are automatically covered by a comprehensive health insurance plan. It provides coverage for necessary hospital and medical services. Coverage is effective as of your first day of classes. Details will be included with your admissions package.