Has anyone not gotten the Hep. B vaccine and still allowed to go to clinicals?

[planecrazy]

I am currently enrolled in a private college in Massachusetts, and am supposed to start my clinicals in January. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried to waive the hep b. vaccine. I do not wish to get into a debate pro/con vaccine. I just am wondering if anyone has successfully waived the hep. b vaccine?

[Leda]

Although each nursing program in the Commonwealth establishes their specific policies, the following is a summarization of the Massachusetts General Law for immunization requirements. I would suggest you obtain a copy of the current law, review it, and compare it to your school's policies.

You will note that the law allows for an exemption for medical and religious reasons. Whether or not your program would include this in their policies is something you would have to explore.

Immunization Requirements for College Students:

Under the Massachusetts General Law, 105 CMR 220.600, in order to be registered at an institution of higher learning, every (1) full-time undergraduate or graduate student and (2) every full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate student in a health science program who is in contact with patients, must present a physician's certificate that such student has received the following immunizations:

1. at least one dose of mumps and rubella vacine(s) given at or after 12 months of age;
   
2. two doses of live measles vaccine given at least one month apart beginning at or after 12 months of age;
   
3. a booster dose of Td within the last ten years; and
   
4. 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine. (If the Hepatitis B vaccine has not been received, arrangements must be made prior to enrollment.)

The requirements of the Massachusetts General Law 105 CMR 220.600, shall not apply where:

1. the student provides written documentation that he or she meets the standards for medical or religious exemption set forth in M.G.L.c.76, 15C;
   
2. the student provides appropriate documentation, including a copy of a school immunization record, indicating receipt of the required immunizations; or
   
3. in the case of measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis, the student presents laboratory evidence of immunity.

[bowkerj]

You can waive it in Oregon too. Although I wouldn't risk it - Hep B or any other preventable disease/virus aren't something I would ever risk getting!

J

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Waive in PA too.