Documentation of immunization compliance is required of all medical students prior to matriculation. All medical students must maintain compliance with these requirements throughout their tenure in the medical school program, even while in a non-clinical segment of the curriculum. If reported as non-compliant, the student will not be allowed to train in patient care settings.
Annual influenza vaccination and TB screening are available from the Health Sciences Immunization Program (HSIP), which tracks and reports compliance with requirements. Entering medical students starting with the E11 class pay an annual health fee of $105 that covers the HSIP’s services. This health fee also includes the cost of testing and initial prophylaxis should students experience an exposure to blood and/or body fluids in the course of their medical education program.
IMPORTANT: This health fee does not cover the cost of testing and initial prophylaxis of exposure to air-borne pathogens, i.e., tuberculosis, H1N1, etc. For E10 and earlier classes, each student paid a one-time health fee of $475 that will cover the cost of all required immunizations and bloodborne pathogen exposure throughout their four years of medical school.
Medical students will not be allowed to begin or continue patient contact unless documentation of compliance with all requirements, including the annual tuberculosis screening, have been confirmed by HSIP with the Academic Affairs Office. In situations where a specific vaccination is medically contraindicated, the student's own health care provider must issue the appropriate documentation that is then submitted to HSIP.
If you obtain a flu shot or tuberculosis screening from somewhere other than HSIP, you may need to pay for that out of your own pocket and then submit your receipt for reimbursement. Specific reimbursement criteria must be met and are explained in detail on the HSIP website. See below for further information.
INFLUENZA: Influenza vaccination is offered as a benefit of the health fee each fall to health sciences students. Annual vaccination is required by the SOM. The CDC guidelines recommend the vaccine in order to protect staff, patients, and family members, and to decrease health care worker absenteeism. Many clinical placement sites expect students to provide proof of current influenza vaccination.
Please note that, while you may choose to obtain the required influenza immunization or tuberculosis screening from your current health care provider, you will still need to provide all documentation to HSIP and obtain clearance through interaction with their staff. First year students at the regional WWAMI sites are provided immunizations by their site’s student health center. At the end of the first year, the records are then sent directly to HSIP where they will be kept until completion of the student’s medical education program. Detailed immunization information outlining requirements will be included in each first year campus’ pre-orientation materials sent to students.
If you have any questions regarding the above information, please visit the HSIP website at: https://depts.washington.edu/chsweb/hsi.
You can also contact them by phone at 206.616.9074 or by email at myshots@uw.edu. If you plan an international health experience, you must check with the Travel Clinic at Hall Health Primary Care Center (the student health center on campus) to determine what immunizations are needed. Travel immunizations are not covered by the required health fee. If your annual TB screening expiration date occurs while traveling, the TB screening must be completed prior to departure in order for the student to remain in good standing.
Reimbursement Process for Immunizations
If you obtain a flu shot or tuberculosis screening from somewhere other than HSIP, you may need to pay for that out of your own pocket and then submit your receipt for reimbursement. Receipts along with a short cover note that includes your name, year in medical school, and the address where you want your reimbursement sent should be sent to: HSIP, University of Washington, Box 354410, Seattle, WA 98195-4410; 206.221.4610. It takes approximately 4-6 weeks to process, and be sure to save a copy of everything, just in case! Reimbursement criteria are explained on the HSIP website.