Documentation of Immunizations, Immunity, and Physical Health

Matriculating students are required to set up an account with an LMU DCOM contracted vendor who monitors, approves, and manages all required health forms and substantiating documentation. Applicants accepted for admission are required to submit medical history, physical examination, PPD testing and proof of immunity forms that have been completed, reviewed, and signed by a licensed health care provider (DO, MD, PA-C, FNP) prior to matriculation. Students without the required immunizations and proof of immunity will not be permitted to actively participate in activities that include patient contact until the requirements have been completed and authorized by an LMU-DCOM healthcare provider.

Students must also provide proof of health insurance to the Office of Admissions and Student Services at the beginning of each academic year.

LMU-DCOM, in conjunction with requirements of hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and/or Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) requires the following immunizations and proof of immunity, for which substantiating documentation must be provided, as described below.

Documents that must be completed prior to matriculation include:

  • LMU-DCOM Prematriculation Medical History completed and signed by the student and reviewed/signed by a healthcare provider
  • LMU-DCOM Prematriculation Physical Exam form, completed and signed by a licensed healthcare provider (DO, MD, PA-C, FNP)
  • LMU-DCOM Record of Immunity form, completed and signed by the licensed healthcare professional (Prematriculation Provider)
  • Substantiating documentation (copies of laboratory results, immunization records, chart records of immunizations , PPD testing form or CXR report, etc.) must accompany the Record of Immunity Form for the student’s folder to be considered complete
  • Records Release Form signed by student authorizing LMU-DCOM to release health related information to affiliated training sites where the student may be training.

It is expected that this documentation will be provided by the matriculating student to the Admissions Office, along with other required admissions documents, by May 15 of the matriculating year, unless extenuating circumstances exist. The expense of immunizations and immunity titers is understood by LMU-DCOM, and the possibility of non-immunity and necessity for booster vaccination has been taken into account with the expectation that all files will be complete no later than the end of the first semester following matriculation. Any student not making a good faith effort to complete their immunization record by this time will not be permitted to register for the second semester.

During the second semester of each year, students will be expected to provide an updated PPD and urine drug screen as a requirement before participating in any activities at clinical locations or involving contact with patients. Any student not providing evidence of updated PPD and urine drug screen by April 15 may not be allowed to participate in scheduled activities. Additionally, the student may be referred to the SPCR to consider further action, including dismissal.

Required prior to matriculation

  • Proof of TdAp and polio vaccine
  • Proof of meningococcal vaccine
  • Negative PPD screening for tuberculosis
  • f prior history of tuberculosis, BCG vaccination, or positive PPD, must provide negative chest x-ray and/or negative QuantiFERON-TB Gold test within 6 months of matriculation
  • Proof of initial vaccination in Hepatitis B series
  • Urine drug screen (14 panel testing) negative except for prescribed substances 
  • Proof of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella
  • Qualitative or quantitative antibody titers for MMR
  • If any of the three components show insufficient immunity, a booster vaccination and recheck of titer 6 weeks later is required
  • Proof of immunity against varicella
  • Qualitative or quantitative antibody titers for varicella
  • History of infection is not considered proof of immunity
  • If antibody titer is negative, booster vaccination and recheck of titer 6 weeks later is required

Required prior to activities in clinical settings

  • Proof of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella, if not provided at matriculation
  • Qualitative or quantitative antibody titers for MMR
  • If any of the three components show insufficient immunity, a booster and recheck of titer 6 weeks later will be required
  • Proof of immunity against varicella, if not provided at matriculation
  • Qualitative or quantitative antibody titers for varicella
  • History of infection is not considered proof of immunity
  • If antibody titer is negative, booster vaccination and recheck of titer 6 weeks later is required
  • Proof of immunity against hepatitis B, if not provided at matriculation
  • Proof of completion of 3 injection series (takes 7 months to complete)
  • Qualitative or quantitative antibody titers showing immunity to Hepatitis B, ideally drawn 6-12 weeks after completion of 3 injection series
    • If antibody titers are negative 6-12 weeks following completion of Hepatitis B series, a second series of 3 injections needs to be completed, with antibody titers drawn 6-12 weeks following completion
    • If antibody titers are negative following second series of 3 injections (per protocol), and proof of completion of two full series of vaccinations is provided, student will be considered a “non-responder” to Hepatitis B immunization
  • Negative PPD screening for tuberculosis within 6 months of starting rotations
  • If prior history of tuberculosis, BCG vaccination, or positive PPD, must provide negative chest x-ray and/or QuantiFERON-TB Gold test within 6 months of starting rotations
  • Urine drug screen (14 panel testing) negative with the exception of prescribed medication

Note: Though proof of Hepatitis B immunity is not required until the start of clinical activities, if you have completed the Hepatitis B vaccination series, it is advisable to provide proof of immunity prior to matriculation.