Immunizations and Health Screening Requirements Policy

Physician Assistant Studies

Immunizations and Health Screening Requirements Policy

(ARC-PA 5th Edition Standards A3.07a)

Effective: 5/16/2023

Reviewed by Medical Director: 1/20/2023

Immunizations are an essential part of PA student requirements to protect the health of the patient and maintain their wellness.  PA students must complete a series of immunizations set forth by the guidelines of the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC).  Keeping immunization records up to date is an essential part of the professionalism required of all students at the school.  The student file must contain accurate documentation of compliance with all immunization and health screening requirements. 

Prior to matriculation, all PA students must complete the immunizations set forth by AAMC: with documentation provided to the program by June 1 of the year of matriculation.  These requirements are reviewed and approved by the medical director and include the following immunizations: 

  • MMR series or titer (students born in 1957 or later must receive two doses of MMR) 
  • Hep B series of 3 doses OR Heplisav-B 2 doses AND a positive Hep B (HbsAb) titer
  • Hep B surface antibody with positive quantitative titer and numeric value 
  • Tdap - within the last 10 years 
  • TB - Negative QuantiFERON
  • Varicella - Positive titer or two vaccines
  • Influenza Shot
  • COVID (2 dose Pfizer/Moderna or 1 dose J&J)
    • We encourage but do not require a booster of Pfizer or Moderna if it has been 5 months since completion of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine series, 6 months since Moderna, or 2 months since J&J.
    • For the most current information, please refer to: https://med.unr.edu/coronavirus#vaccine-info
  • Meningococcal - All incoming students (regardless if they are living on campus or not) under the age of 23 at the time of initial enrollment are required to submit proof of having received the Meningitis vaccination with at least one dose occurring on or after age 16.

Acceptable versions of the Meningitis vaccination are:

      • Menactra or Menveo (MenACYW-135) 
      • MCV4

Failure to provide required immunization records may result in blocked enrollment, financial aid, and/or matriculation.

Current Students

  • Influenza Shot (annually)
  • QuantiFERON* (TB Test - annually)

Clinical Phase

  • Healthcare facilities may have additional requirements

Reviewed. 5/27/23