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This policy establishes guidelines for immunization requirements by program, based on CDC and Puerto Rico Department of Health guidelines. This policy applies to all PHSU students.
Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) adheres to CDC recommendations for adult and healthcare worker immunization, and to Puerto Rico Immunization Law, Law #25, approved on September 25, 1983.
Immunization requirements may vary depending on the student’s academic program and are based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Puerto Rico Department of Health. Students aged 21 or older are exempt from submitting the PVAC-3 form; instead, they must provide evidence of Hepatitis B vaccination. However, students in the Medical and Nursing programs must present the PVAC-3 form, titters, or other immunization records regardless of age.
International and mainland U.S. students must present immunization evidence from their country of origin to the Puerto Rico Department of Health to obtain the PVAC-3 form.
Only for Medicine and Nursing Programs: Students actively enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine or Nursing programs must submit an annual Health Certificate during fall enrollment.
Vaccines Guideline
The following immunizations are required for students under the age of 21 and for students enrolled in healthcare programs:
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Two doses
- Varicella (Chickenpox): Two doses or proof of immunity
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap): One dose within the last 10 years
- Hepatitis B: Three doses or positive titter
- Meningococcal (MenACWY): One dose after age 16 (required for undergraduates under 21)
- COVID-19 Vaccine: Complete primary series (booster if applicable)
- Influenza: Annual vaccination required for clinical rotations
Note: Medical students in their third and fourth years must receive the Influenza vaccine before beginning clinical clerkships. Nursing and Psychology students must also be vaccinated against Influenza prior to starting their clinical rotations.
Exemptions for Vaccination
The Puerto Rico Department of Health (Article 5 of Law 25, as amended) allows exemptions from vaccination requirements for religious or health reasons, including catastrophic illnesses and pregnancy. In such cases, the student must complete an Immunization Exemption Form, which must be certified by a physician and/or an attorney depending on the reason for the exemption.
No exemptions will be permitted in the Medical or Nursing programs. Students in these programs must comply with CDC immunization guidelines for healthcare professionals.
Sanctions
Applicants must adhere to the immunization policy. Failure to comply with immunization requirements may result in revocation of admission to any PHSU program.
Students not in compliance with immunization requirements may be restricted from participating in clinical activities, at the discretion of their program’s Dean. Students missing vaccination documentation have the following options:
- Submit titers (antibody tests) for the required vaccines. If titers are negative, vaccination is recommended.
- Students who decline immunization for religious, health, or pregnancy-related reasons must present a notarized document certifying their exemption.
Note: Students enrolled in healthcare programs must meet immunization requirements and may not continue in the program without submitting the required evidence. PHSU is not responsible if access is denied to clinical centers, internships, practicums, or other activities governed by third-party institutions, particularly if those institutions require immunization for participation.
Students who fail to comply will be subject to the sanctions described in this policy, as well as any additional disciplinary actions outlined in the Student Handbook.
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