Vaccination Policies Among Health Professional Schools: Evidence of Immunity and Allowance of Vaccination Exemptions

• DOI: 10.1017/ice.2014.15
• Publication Date: 2014-12-29T14:38:17Z
• Authors: Samantha B. Dolan; Tanya E. Libby; Megan C. Lindley; Faruque Ahmed; John Stevenson; Raymond A. Strikas
• Keywords: Herd Immunity; Vaccine-preventable diseases; Vaccination policy; Chicken Pox; Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine; Hepatitis B

OBJECTIVE To characterize health professional schools by their vaccination policies for acceptable forms of evidence immunity and exemptions permitted. METHODS Data were collected between September 2011 April 2012 using an Internet-based survey e-mailed to selected types accredited programs. Schools identified through accrediting associations each type program. Analysis was limited requiring ≥1 vaccine recommended the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, varicella, pertussis, influenza. Weighted bivariate frequencies generated SAS 9.3. RESULTS Of 2,775 surveyed, 75% (n=2,077) responded; responding schools, 93% (1947) required ACIP-recommended vaccination. The proportion accepting non–ACIP-recommended form varied vaccine: 42% 37% influenza, 30% 22% 18% 9% measles mumps. Among with requirement, medical permitted schools; 54% religious exemptions; 35% personal belief 58% any nonmedical exemption. CONCLUSIONS Many accept which could lead some students believe they are protected from preventable diseases when may be susceptible. Additional efforts needed better educate school officials about current ACIP recommendations so can revised as needed. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–6