Genetic Counseling students must adhere to UCLA’s Immunization Policy and the public health policies, rules, and regulations at assigned clinical sites; both those operated by the University of California and its affiliates, so that they may provide healthcare services. If there are any objections or barriers to compliance, the student must immediately notify the Program Director or Student Affairs Officer. Please be advised that affiliated fieldwork sites may require submission of immunization records as part of their onboarding process. While UCLA recognizes immunization exceptions for Medical, Religious, and Personal reasons, the Genetic Counseling Program cannot guarantee that all affiliated fieldwork sites will honor these exceptions. As a result, students requesting vaccine exceptions may experience limited availability of fieldwork opportunities.
Requirements:
- Updated COVID-19 vaccine or declination
- Positive MMR titer OR proof of receipt of 2 doses of MMR vaccine (first dose needs to be on or after first birthday).
- Positive Varicella titer OR proof of receipt of 2 doses of Varicella vaccine (first dose needs to be on or after first birthday).
- Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (HBsAb) Requirements(submit documentation of one of the following):
- Positive HBsAb titer (immune): Submit documentation of a positive Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) titer. NOTE: Some affiliated hospitals require proof of completion of the hepatitis B vaccine series in addition to a positive titer. Please include vaccine records if available.
- Negative HBsAb titer with documentation of a completed hepatitis B vaccine series: Receive one hepatitis B challenge dose and repeat the HBsAb titer 30 days later. Students who remain HBsAb-negative after the challenge dose may be required to complete additional evaluation, including Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing, and provide documentation for review and clearance.
- Negative HBsAb titer without documentation of a completed hepatitis B vaccine series: Receive the required doses of the hepatitis B vaccine series according to the vaccine product schedule, with at least two doses completed before the start of classes. After completing the vaccine series, submit a Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) titer demonstrating immunity. The complete Hepatitis B requirement must be fulfilled by the first day of the clinicals. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the inability to continue in the program.
- Positive Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): Students who are not candidates for vaccination must provide appropriate medical documentation for review and clearance.
- Negative IGRA (T-Spot, QuantiFERON®-TB test) within 6 months. If the result is positive, proof of negative Chest X-Ray is required.
- Tdap: 1 dose after age 11 AND Td or Tdap booster within the last 10 years.
- Meningococcal conjugate (Serogroups A,C,Y & W 135): Only for students under 22 years old: 1 dose on or after age 16.
- Seasonal Influenza vaccine given after August 1st of entering year or declination.
How to Comply with the UC Immunization Requirements:
- Submit your Statement of Intent to Register SIR/SLR.
- Be prepared! Gather all of the info you’ll need to complete your requirements online.
- Go to the UCLA Immunization Requirements website and sign in to MyStudentChart.
- Sign into MyStudentChart using the "Sign in with your UCLA Logon ID" button.
- From the Home Page, click the Menu bar on the left-hand side. Scroll down and choose Questionnaires. Then, complete the Immunization Clearance for Professional Students, which also contains the TB screening questionnaire.
- Answer all required fields and upload supporting immunization records, including images, PDFs, laboratory tests and/or chest x-rays. The Immunization Worksheet for Outside Providers may be submitted in lieu of original immunization records, but must be completed by your primary care provider.
- You can check your compliance status by scrolling down the Menu bar and selecting Immunization Clearance Report.