FAQ ID Screening and Vaccination

Q: What vaccines are recommended for UCC healthcare students?

A: MMR (2 doses), Varicella (1 or in some cases 2 doses), and Hepatitis B (3 or in some cases 4 doses), if not already immune or previously vaccinated

Q: Do I need to have these immunisations before I start my course?

A: No, these will be available during your first year at UCC. If you have had vaccinations previously, you must upload documentation via our Form

Q: Which vaccines are mandatory for UCC healthcare students?

A: None of the vaccines are mandatory. Students who decline vaccination or are unable to achieve and sustain adequate levels of immunity may be unable to undertake placements in certain settings such as augmented care units. This may prevent them acquiring the core competencies required to graduate from their programme and the student may be required to transfer to an alternative exit degree programme.

Q: Is there a National Guideline as to recommended vaccines for healthcare settings?

A:  The Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland. Available: www.hiqa.ie/areas-we-work/national-immunisation-advisory-committee/immunisation-guidelines-ireland 

Q: Where can I get a copy of the UCC healthcare students ID screening and immunisation Policy?

A: Download from  Infectious Disease Screening and Vaccination Policy

Q: Are there any other vaccines which may be of benefit for healthcare students?

A: Healthcare students are strongly recommended to  have the Influenza vaccine annually and COVID-19 Boosters when available. They should ensure they have completed the primary and booster course of Tetanus immunisations. These vaccines are not included in the routine Student Health Healthcare vaccination programme. 

Q: What is the Fee payable by students for the ID screening and Immunisation Programme?

A: If all your immunisations are complete the core fee payable is 110 Euro, and this is payable at the first ID screening and immunisation appointment via Bilinks our secure online payment system. All students are liable to pay the fee. You are exempt from paying this fee if you have paid UCC Student Health this fee previously whilst undertaking another course in UCC,  or if the fee  is paid by your sponsor, or if you are a UCC PLUS/ HEAR student.

Other fees payable for vaccines and TB screening blood test as required.

Q: I have paid the ID Screening Fee to UCC previously as part of another UCC course. Do I pay again?

A: No.  If you have paid this fee to UCC Student Health previously you will not be liable to pay the fee twice.

Q: I have obtained all these vaccines elsewhere, do I have to pay the core fee to obtain clearance?

A: Yes, you must pay the core fee of 110 euro. You will be deemed to have cleared  the ID screening and immunisation requirements only after all relevant documentation has been received and clearance status has been confirmed via Identified Validated Sample (IVS) blood test undertaken in the UCC Student Health Department.

Q: Why do I have to pay the core fee if I have been obtained these vaccinations elsewhere?

A: The core fee of 110 euro is payable even if you require no further vaccines from UCC. The core fee covers the cost of professional time involved in reviewing your vaccination history, TB status, undertaking the IVS blood test to confirm Hepatitis B immunity, and the administration of the programme.

Q: Can I get copies of of my medical records including ID screening and Vaccination records

A: Yes, please request via the online form.

Q: What is involved in Tuberculosis screening?

A: You must be screened to ensure you do not have Tuberculosis. This involves a series of screening questions  relating to TB symptoms and possible prior exposure through travel with more than one 1 month within the past 2 years in a country with high TB endemicity AND having worked in healthcare or having lived or worked with high-risk local populations while there. Depending on travel history you may also need a chest x-ray.  You should remain vigilant and be aware of the symptoms of TB: persisting cough, night sweats, coughing up blood, or weight loss. If in doubt and you are concerned, discuss with a Student Health Doctor.

Q: Is it mandatory that I receive/have received a full course of 2 doses MMR vaccine?

A: A full course of 2 lifetime doses of MMR vaccine is strongly recommended for healthcare students training in Ireland. There has been a significant outbreak of Mumps in University over the past few years, with students ill and occasionally missing time and unable to complete examinations in University. Cases of Measles in healthcare students have also occurred. Vaccines are not mandatory, however students who decline vaccination or are unable to achieve and sustain adequate levels of immunity may be unable to undertake placements in certain settings such as augmented care units. This may prevent them acquiring the core competencies required to graduate from their programme and the student may be required to transfer to an alternative exit degree programme.

Q: Are blood tests for IgG levels for Mumps proof of immunity to Mumps?

A:  Interpretation of Mumps IgG levels is problematic as there is no IgG level that definitively indicates immunity to Mumps infection.