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UUHSC Immunization Information

Required New Employee Immunization and Testing FAQ

To protect University Hospital staff and patients, new hospital employees are required to have complete and accurate immunization records before employment begins.

Question: What immunizations and tests will I be required to have?
Answer: You must have documentation of two (2) Measles / Mumps / Rubella (MMR) immunizations given in 1970 or later, after 12 months of age, and at least one month apart; if you were born before 1957, documentation of only one MMR is required. Alternatively, physician documentation of disease or documentation of a positive antibody test (titer) will fulfill requirements. If antibody testing determines that you have no antibody to measles and/or rubella, you will need to receive your MMR.

You must also have documentation of a TB skin test (PPD) given and read within two months prior to hire date; if you have had a positive TB skin test in the past, you will be required to bring a copy of the written interpretation of your most recent chest x-ray.

You must have had a Tetanus / Diphtheria immunization within the last 10 years. Please indicate the date of your last Td immunization on the immunization form; if your immunization was over 10 years ago, you can update it at the Employee Infection Control Clinic.

All clinical staff are required to begin the Hepatitis B vaccine series or sign a declination form within 10 days of hire date. Please indicate on the immunization form whether you have received Hepatitis B immunizations in the past and whether an antibody test (titer) has been performed.

You are required to have immunity to Chickenpox. You must demonstrate immunity by providing a year or age when you had the disease, providing documentation of a positive antibody test (titer), or by providing proof of immunization with 2 Varicella vaccinations at least 30 days apart. If you are unsure if you meet the requirements, Employee Infection Control will draw an antibody test (titer) and provide chickenpox immunizations if indicated.
Question: What if I don’t have the required documentation or haven’t had the immunizations?
Answer: We strongly encourage you to search for documentation, since most persons raised in the US have fulfilled many of these requirements. School records, baby books, immunization cards and immigration paperwork often contain good documentation. If you are unable to find documentation or your documentation shows that you require one or more of the immunizations or tests, the University of Utah Hospital and Clinics Employee Infection Control Clinic will provide the following immunizations and tests at no cost to the new employee:
  1. Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test (PPD) and/or chest xray
  2. Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) immunization
  3. Measles and Rubella antibody testing (titers)
  4. Tetanus / Diphtheria immunization.
  5. Hepatitis-B immunizations
  6. Hepatitis B antibody testing (titers)
  7. Chickenpox antibody testing (titers) and immunizations
Question: Where do I go to receive these immunizations and tests?
Answer: Required immunization/test locations vary by your location. Check with your supervisor. If you are located at University Hospital, you will come to the Employee Infection Control Clinic.
Question: Do I need to show identification or a form from my supervisor?
Answer: You will need to bring the New Hire Immunization Form, signed by your supervisor that gives permission for you to have the immunizations and tests. This form can be obtained from the HR web site, or from the Employee Service Center in the Hospital at A024 HOSP.
Question: What happens if I do not get the required immunizations and tests?
Answer: These immunizations and tests are required as a condition of employment. You will not able to work or receive a paycheck at the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics until you have met this condition.
Question: What do I do if I do not have copies of my immunization record?
Answer: Check with your legal guardian or parents to see if they have kept this documentation. If they have not, then check with the high school that you attended or check the health department in the city you grew up. If you are still not able to locate these records, then go to the Employee Infection Control Clinic and obtain these immunizations and/or tests. The TB skin test will usually need to be done here unless you have had a TB test within the last 2 months and can show proof of the test and results.
Question: What if I need to have a Hepatitis B vaccination?
Answer: If you need to have the Hepatitis B Vaccine Series, you must contact Employee Infection Control, (581-2227), who will give you this vaccine free of charge.
Question: What if I would like to have an Influenza Immunization?
Answer: If you would like to have an Influenza Immunization, Employee Infection Control offers this immunization each year in the months of October and November at no charge to the employee. Look for information about Employee Flu Shot Clinics and Shot Patrols.
Question: Is there any other locations that I may obtain these required Immunizations and Tests?
Answer: You may also obtain immunizations and testing at the following places, but they are not free of charge:

Salt Lake City - County Health Department
534-4568 for times, locations.

U of U Student Health Services
Wasatch Clinic / 555 Foothill Boulevard
581-6431 for times, locations
Question: Is there any special instructions I must follow when getting my TB test?
Answer: You need to return to the Employee Infection Control Clinic to have your TB skin test read 48 - 96 hours after it is placed or it will need to be repeated. Pregnancy or nursing is NOT a contraindication to TB skin testing.
Question: What do I do if my TB test comes back with a positive result?
Answer: You will need to obtain a chest x-ray and be evaluated to determine if you have active Tuberculosis. Chest xrays will be provided at no cost; referral will then be made to your private health care provider or to a health department clinic.
Question: What if I have previously tested positive for tuberculosis?
Answer: You will need to submit a statement to Employee Infection Control Clinic indicating that you have previously tested positive for tuberculosis as well submitting a copy of your last chest x-ray report.
  1. If you are unable to provide a copy of your last chest xray report, you will need to provide documentation to the Employee Infection Control Clinic of your positive TB test and they will provide you with a x-ray requisition.
  2. While working at the hospital or clinics, if you ever develop signs or symptoms of active tuberculosis (fever, night sweats, cough, bloody sputum, etc.), you must report to Employee Infection Control for evaluation.
Please contact Employee Infection Control , 1-2227 or 5-6910, if you have any questions.