/Institutions/University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley/json/som/policies-local.json

/Institutions/University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley/json/som/policies.json

EAA076 Vaccination Policy

Policy Number: EAA076
Policy Title: Vaccination Policy

A. Purpose

To ensure the health and safety of patients, students, and other members of the healthcare team.

In setting these vaccination requirements, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine (UTRGV SOM) recognizes that they are not only institutional mandates but reflect both public health imperatives and professional standards of conduct in healthcare.

B. Persons Affected

This policy covers all students enrolled in the UTRGV SOM.

 

C. Scope

The UTRGV SOM has a responsibility for the health and safety of its students and the community. Medical students learn and acquire clinical experience in settings that require the exercise of sound professional judgment and ethical behavior. Like other members of the healthcare team, students must conduct themselves in a manner which conforms with all measures designed to protect the safety of patients and the workplace.

Additionally, UTRGV SOM is obligated to meet contractual requirements contained in affiliation agreements between the university and its clinical healthcare partners. These requirements recognize that clinical training is a shared responsibility between the SOM and our clinical partners. These requirements include provisions for assuring that our students are vaccinated against specified preventable infectious diseases and adhere to each institution’s infection control policies. These policies are not negotiable; the SOM does not have the authority to override them.

Applicants and enrolled students must receive specified vaccinations and maintain up-to-date documentation of such vaccinations for the duration of
their enrollment.

Unvaccinated individuals working in clinical settings (especially in pediatrics, oncology, transplant medicine, or intensive care) pose risks not just to themselves, but to the vulnerable patients we serve. All healthcare providers, including students, must adhere to basic infection prevention standards in clinical settings.

Applicants or students who are not current on their vaccinations or who do not maintain current documentation regarding the same may not be guaranteed continued enrollment in the educational program or eligibility for graduation with the MD degree.

D. Policy

All persons accepted for admission to the UTRGV SOM must provide documentation of current specified vaccination and screening.

Specific vaccination and screening requirements are determined in consultation with our clinical affiliates. These requirements are announced to students at the start of each academic year.

Vaccination requirements may change based on fluctuations in disease prevalence, changes in State Law, and/or Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.

E. Exemption from Vaccinations:

Students requesting exemption from specified vaccinations because of medical contraindications should note such on their Technical Standards Form. The Office of Student Accessibility Services will work with the student to develop accommodations. Clinical partners may consider medical exemptions on a case-by-case basis.

Students may request exemption for religious reasons or for reasons of conscience by completing an affidavit from the Texas Department of State Health Services. However, our clinical affiliates are not required to recognize these exemptions. Even if exempted, a student may be denied the opportunity to participate in training or patient care in health care facilities affiliated with the UTRGV SOM and in other non-affiliated schools and hospitals outside our region participating in the Visiting Student Learning Opportunity (VSLO) program. Further, it may not be possible for the UTRGV SOM to arrange accommodations for the student. Consequently, a student with such exemptions may not be able to complete all curricular requirements and therefore may not qualify for graduation with the MD degree.

Questions about vaccinations should be directed to a clinician in UTRGV Student Health Services. The Office of Student Affairs will not be informed of a student’s vaccine status or any other health information but will be notified that a student is compliant or non-compliant. Students who fail to comply with this policy may be subject to withdrawal of an offer of acceptance or disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

The expenses related to vaccinations are borne by the student. Vaccination records will remain separate from academic records.