Immunization Requirements

Background

The School of Health and Human Services requires a consistent practice across all campuses for all Health and Human Services learners regarding immunization and screening for infectious diseases. Up to date immunizations and thorough screening prior to clinical placement provide both the Health and Human Services learners and their clients with protection from infectious diseases.

Many agencies that partner with the Nova Scotia Community College in providing clinical opportunities mandate that students must adhere to the immunization and screening policies of the institution.

To ensure that NSCC meets this expectation, the School of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with Public Health Services of Nova Scotia has determined which immunizations and screening tests are necessary for the specific program of study. This is aligned with the preparation of learners for safe and professional practice in an employment setting.

Focus Statement

Learners in the Health and Human Services programs are required to follow the immunization schedule for their program of study. This policy is intended to establish and model safe practices as well as to contribute to the formation of professional practice during educational preparation.

Process

Placement Pass

Placement Pass is a portal that is used by ParaMed. ParaMed is a Nova Scotia Community College partner organization that is authorized to review and confirm placement clearance. Prior to the first placement, learners will be required to upload copies of all supporting documentation to Placement Pass. An orientation to this portal will be arranged by the clinical placement coordinator at your campus.

There is a cost associated with uploading our documents. Please refer to Practical Nursing | Programs | NSCC   for additional information.

First aid and CPR training

PN learners are required to complete. Standard First Aid (intermediate) and CPR Level C.

Immunizations

Any learner completing work experience within Nova Scotia Health and IWK requires standard immunizations (dTap, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B immunizations and TB screening) prior to commencing work placements. These immunizations are for your protection as well as the clients that you’ll be serving. Immunizations can take up to 10 months to complete so we encourage you to begin the process now.

All immunizations are required to be completed and cleared through Placement Pass prior to clinical placement. All learners are responsible for maintaining valid documentation of their personal immunizations and tests. This documentation may be required by the clinical placement agency.

Immunization requirements listed follow the standards outlined in: The Canadian Immunization Guide Vaccination of Specific Populations: Workers and Student Placements, The Canadian Tuberculosis Standards (2014 7th Ed), and Nova Scotia Health. (Canadian Immunization Guide: Part 3. Vaccination of specific populations – Canada.ca)

The following are required for all NSH placements:

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis
• Varicella

The following are required for NSH placements with direct patient contact and/or placements where learners have the potential to be exposed to blood and/ potentially infectious body substances.

• Hepatitis B
• Tuberculosis

The following are recommended by NSH and may be required by other facilities (such as Long-term care)

• Influenza (Seasonal)
• COVID-19

It is recommended that learners continue to hold and maintain valid documentation related to meeting immunization and pre-clinical requirements. This includes a CRC/VSC and CAR. Clinical agencies do request that learners are up to date with all immunizations and most require a flu shot. Clinical agencies have the right to refuse a learner placement if all immunizations or CRC/VSC are not up to date (this may include a yearly flu shot).

Please visit: Form Appendix (nscc.ca) for a complete list and details of obtaining vaccines and forms required for:  Placement Pass submission, FAQs and How To’s.