Immunization

Currently under revision

Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine has mandatory immunization requirements for all medical students. Health Care Professionals have an obligation to protect patients and themselves from infections that can be transmitted within health care practice settings. Immunization is an important tool in preventing the transmission of infections and assists in safeguarding the health of the student during their education and beyond.  Upon acceptance students will be sent complete documentation regarding health status policies and immunization requirements. Documentation of immunization and tuberculin status will be required.

Immunization Tracking System

All immunizations as specified in the Immunization form on Medix
must be complete, up to date, and on record with the Student Affairs Office before you can complete clinical experiences in the hospital. It’s essential that you keep your immunization status updated as well as maintain documented records with the Admissions & Student Affairs office.

Throughout your medical education and beyond, you will need proof of your immunization status MANY TIMES in the years to come.

Entering Students

1. Find your personal online immunization record on Medix:
2. Login; choose “Home” from the blue bar at the top, then click “My Personal Page” in the drop-down menu;
3. Select “Immunization” from the list on the left. Enter your Date of Birth. This is a mandatory field and is required in order to save any information on your immunization record.
4. Have your doctor provide you with all of your immunization dates including your primary (childhood) series for Diptheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B and Varicella.

As well all entering students must complete the Two Step TB skin test (TST) and be able to provide proof of immunity. A TB test clinic is offered on Registration day for all entering students.

1. Submit this information to the Admissions & Student Affairs office / Student Affairs office DMNB.  Your record will be updated and information verified and an email generated once complete.

Note: More detailed information on each immunization requirement can be found with the Medix component.

Enrolled Students

As indicated above it is essential that you maintain an up to date immunization record at all times throughout your medical education program. Official documentation of annual tests and vaccines must be submitted to the Student Affairs office in a timely manner.

Updates to your immunization record are completed regularly and emails are generated to students to inform when updates have been made. It is the students responsibility to ensure their record and “notes” are reviewed and to follow up on incomplete and/or missing documentation.

In addition to the above immunizations completed upon entrance, all enrolled students are required to complete an annual one step TB test at the beginning of each academic year. A TB test clinic is scheduled for September for all returning students.

The DtaP vaccine is required to be updated every 10 years in order to maintain a current immunization record.

Elective Requirements

An Official Immunization Record is required for all scheduled electives within Canada, US and International. Applications will not be approved unless the record is locked (Official).

Elective applications must be approved by both the UGME office (Academic good Standing) and the Student Affairs office (Official Immunization record) in order to proceed. Applications for electives within the Dalhousie system do not require the submission of official immunization records.

Each school maintains differing requirements for immunizations, although much commonality also exists. Be sure to do your homework first before proceeding to arrange electives and research the school websites first!

Have a question about immunization requirements / records?
Send an email to Anita.macdonald@dal.ca