Imms FAQs
FAQ ID Screening and immunisation
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. Any student who declines to be vaccinated against these illnesses or who has a confirmed medical contraindication to a vaccine may be denied placement in certain higher risk healthcare settings,and may therefore not acquire the core competencies to complete or graudate from their programme.
Q: Is there a National Guideline as to recommended vaccines for healthcare settings?
A: The National Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland (2008) (Chapter 18) outlines the vaccinations recommended for healthcare settings.
http://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/immunisationguidelines.html
Q: Where can I get a copy of the UCC healthcare students ID screening and immunisation Policy?
A: Download from Infectious Diseases Screening and Immunisation and BBV Policy
Q: Are there any other vaccines which may be of benefit for healthcare students?
A: Healthcare students should have the Influenza vaccine annually and ensure that they have completed the primary and booster course of Tetanus immunisations. These vaccines are available on request at the Student Health Department but are not included in the routine 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 has 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.
| Item |
Fee |
| Hepatitis B vaccine per dose (course=3-4 doses) |
40 |
| Varicella Zoster vaccine (per dose) |
60 |
| TB IGRA blood test |
100 |
| Chest X Ray (if needed) |
Varies |
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 relavant 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, undertaking the IVS blood test to confirm Hepatitis B immunity, and the administration of the programme.
Q: Can I get copies of of my vaccine 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 relatingto TB symptoms and possible prior exposure. In addition an IGRA Quantiferon blood test is required if you have not had BCG vaccination previously or you have lived for >1 month in a country with high endemicity of TB in the previous 2 years. BCG vaccine is currently unavailable and is not a requirement for your course.
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 recommended for healthcare students training in Ireland. It is not mandatory, however. 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.
Q: Why are blood tests for IgG levels for Mumps not accepted as proof of immunity?
A: Interpretation of Mumps IgG levels is problematic as there is no IgG level that definitively indicates immunity to Mumps infection.