Information for Health Science Students

Please review the instructions located on the first page of the Immunization Review Form to help guide you when completing the form.

After reviewing the instructions, if you have any questions or concerns about the Immunization Review Form or how to complete it, please call the Student Health Services Nurses at 604-432-8843 or send an email to nurses@bcit.ca

All Health Science Students are required to complete the Health Sciences Immunization Review Form (Note: please ignore if it states nursing or non-nursing in the saved name of the .PDF document; the form is the same for all programs. A new version of the form is expected for fall 2025).

Completed forms and vaccination records are to be emailed to nurses@bcit.ca.

Please note: The Immunization Review Form and subsequent documents are due on the date set by admissions.

Prior to submitting your form and documentation:

1. Did you complete the form to the best of your ability, ensuring that your demographic information is correct, and that all applicable sections of the immunization review are filled out?
2. Did you complete the form yourself? If yes, please ensure to sign the form.
3. Did you have a physician complete the form (not required)? If yes, please ensure the physician signs and stamps the form.
4. Were you able to get a copy of your immunization records? If yes, please ensure they are attached to the email. If no, please try all available options for getting records before selecting “No Records” on your Immunization Review Form.

Let us know in the body of the email if you are waiting for records, if you have had a previous positive TB Skin Test, or if you have any questions or concerns.

What to expect once your form is received:

Once your forms have been submitted, a nurse will review your form and subsequent documents and will send an email reply within 48-72 hours (may be longer if more information is required) to the email address indicated on your submitted form. This email will include the following:

1. A form stating your requirements for vaccination and TB Skin Testing for clinical placement, and the date they must be completed by for your specific program.
2. Information on where to complete your vaccinations and TB Skin Testing and what the deadlines are to complete them (specific to program).
3. A requisition to complete serology (if you are a BC resident) or instructions on what you need to do to in your province to get a requisition.
4. A PDF of the BC Immunization Health Files to review prior to receiving any vaccinations in BC. HealthLink BC Files are easy-to-understand fact sheets about public health and safety.

If you have any questions or concerns please email the nurses at nurses@bcit.ca or call 604-432-8843 (please send an email if we do not answer).

Vaccine requirements

As noted on the BCIT Health Sciences Immunization Review form, the following vaccinations are required for health science students:

• Recent (within the past ten years) Tetanus/Diphtheria or Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (TdaP) vaccine. TdaP is required if you did not receive a dose in grade 9 or have no records of dose of TdaP.
• An adult booster of Poliomyelitis vaccine age 18 years or older.
• Two documented Measles Mumps Rubella vaccines (please be aware re-vaccination will occur if you only received 1 full dose of MMR or had MR only, as well as if you do not have any records).
• Two documented Varicella vaccination (6 weeks apart after age 1), a self-reported history of Childhood Chickenpox Disease (only if disease occurred before 2004), or serology confirming immunity.
• Documented series of Hepatitis B immunizations along with mandatory serology for Hepatitis B (must include all 3 markers: HepBsAb, HepBsAg and HepBcAb)
• It is highly recommended that Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) students be protected against Meningitis. MLS students should receive 2 doses of MenB (Bexsero) and 1 dose of ACYW-135 (Menveo or Menactra). These vaccinations are also suggested for all health care workers.
• Tuberculin (TB) Skin test or updated chest x-ray if you have had a previous positive TB Skin Test. A BCG vaccine history is not a contraindication for a TB Skin Test unless you have had a previous positive. Your TB Skin Test must be within 1 year of entering into your clinical placement) and a chest x-ray (if indicated) must be done within 6 months of entering into clinical placement. You will be informed of when your TB Skin Test or chest x-ray is required by based on your program.

Further immunization information

• Health Link BC: Meningitis
• Health Link BC: Meningococcal Vaccines
• BCCDC: Immunization Recommendations for Health Care Workers
• Public Health Agency Canada Information for Immunization of Health Care Workers: Canadian Immunization Guide: Part 3 – Vaccination of Specific Populations
• Health Link BC: Tuberculin Skin Test
• Immunization Records from Health Gateway (for those vaccinated in BC)

If you have any questions or concerns after reviewing the instructions on your form, please contact the nurses at Student Health Services:

• By Email: Nurses@bcit.ca (forms can be sent here, please call for all other inquiries)
• By Phone: 604-432-8843

If you are a current BCIT Health Sciences student and have been in to see us for your immunization review, but still require immunizations or information please call us to discuss next steps.

For other BCIT Student Health Services Appointments (e.g. Physician, Counselling or Psychiatrist) please contact our front desk at 604-432-8608.