Immunizations required for Admission

State Mandated Immunizations

Depending upon a student's status, there are certain immunizations that are required in order to attend college in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These include immunization or proof of immunity for Hepatitis B, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Td (tetanus/diphtheria), and TB (Tuberculosis). These are mandated vaccines. A student who obtains immunizations or blood tests for immunity is responsible for submitting documentation of his/her immunization record to BCC Immunization and Allied Health Medical Records office. Students who are not in compliance with these mandated immunizations will be unable to pre-register for classes or, as is the case with Nursing and Allied Health students, will not be allowed to attend classes or clinical rotations.

The regulations for each vaccine preventable disease are described below.

Td (tetanus/diphtheria) and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)

As required by Massachusetts General Laws, Berkshire Community College is required to maintain immunization records for MMR and Td on all full-time (12 or more credits) students regardless of year of birth, all Nursing/Allied Health students (regardless of the number of credits), and all foreign-born students.

These vaccines may be declined only for medical or religious reasons. In the event a student declines due to religious reasons, the student must complete the necessary forms, which may be obtained at the Immunization and Allied Health Medical Records office. If a student is unable to receive an immunization due to medical reasons, documentation from the student's physician must be filed in the Immunization and Allied Health Medical Records office. It is also highly recommended that these students have blood testing done to show possible immunity.

If an outbreak of measles, mumps or rubella occurs, students who are not immunized will be notified by Immunization and Allied Health Medical Records office via telephone and certified mail. It is then the responsibility of the student to determine whether or not to attend classes.

Tuberculosis (TB) for all nursing, allied health, foreign born students

Tuberculosis (TB), a chronic bacterial infection, causes more deaths worldwide than any other infectious disease. TB is spread through the air and usually infects the lungs, although other organs are sometimes involved. Some 1.7 billion people - one-third of the world's population - are infected with the predominant TB organism, Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Diagnosing TB begins with the tuberculin skin test, also known as the Mantoux test. This test can identify people infected with tubercle bacilli six to eight weeks after initial exposure. A substance called purified protein derivative (PPD) is injected under the skin of the forearm and examined about 48 to 72 hours later.

A yearly TB test is required for all students enrolled in the Nursing and Allied Health programs and at admission to the college for any incoming foreign-born student. Please note that if an MMR inoculation has been administered within the last 6 weeks, a student must wait to have TB testing done as the test would result in a false positive. A TB test can be performed first without a waiting period.

TB test results will be recorded on the student's medical record in the Immunization and Allied Health Medical Records office. Students who test positive will be referred to the state TB clinic at Berkshire Medical Center or to their own health care provider. Treatment will be determined by that provider and a copy of such treatment must be returned to BCC Immunization and Allied Health Medical Records office to become part of the student record.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. There are many different causes of hepatitis, including alcohol, drugs, chemicals and infection. One of the infectious agents is a virus called Hepatitis B virus (HBV); it causes Hepatitis B, a specific illness that has been diagnosed quite often since the 1980's.

Hepatitis B is occurring more frequently. It can have severe consequences including liver cancer that may result in a prolonged death.

• Approximately 75% of reported Hepatitis B cases occur between the ages of 15 - 39.
• The majority of persons infected are aged 20 to 39.
• Nearly one-third of those infected with Hepatitis B deny all risk factors.

As of September 1, 2003, all community college students who are taking: 12 credits, are foreign born or are in Nursing or Allied Health program, must comply with this mandate.

Chickenpox proof or vaccine for all Nursing and Allied Health students

Students enrolled in any Nursing and Allied Health program are required to have proof of immunity to chickenpox. If a student does not remember having the illness then a blood laboratory test is needed. If the student has limited or no immunity the Medical practitioner will advise the student to be immunized.

History and physical examination for all Nursing and Allied Health students

A current history and physical must be obtained by each student in the above programs before the first day of class in the freshman year. The BCC History/Physical form must be used.

Updated: 9/14/05, /std