Immunization & TB Screening

Dear Students,

As part of ongoing COVID-19 containment measures, effective as of March 2020 Student Health and Counseling Services will be performing TB surveillance for students via the Quantiferon Gold blood test. Quantiferon testing is offered at no charge to continuing students*, regardless of your insurance carrier. Please send a secure message to the Student Health Nurse requesting the test. The nurse will place the order electronically and will message you back with instructions on where to go for your blood draw. Results are generally back within 2-3 days, or approximately the same interval as a TB skin test.

This policy will be reviewed periodically and you will be notified of any updates. Exceptions will be made only in cases where a clinical site states in writing that Quantiferon/T- Spot/IGRA tests are not accepted for clearance. If you are scheduled to be at such a site, please notify your program coordinator and ask them to contact Student Health by sending an email to [email protected] so that arrangements can be made to provide TB skin testing for you in the safest possible environment.

With thanks,
Student Health and Counseling Services

*Note: This policy does not apply to pre-entry requirements.

 

    • SHCS provides immunizations for students. A portion of the immunization cost is covered for continuing students with UC SHIP. Please review the New Student Immunization page for a list of the specific requirements for your program. For a complete price list, please see the SHCS price List.

      Immunizations are usually recommended for any of three reasons:

      1. As part of routine primary care, either because a primary series was never given or completed in childhood, or because adult doses come due.
      2. Because a student is traveling to an area where disease risk exists.
      3. Because a student’s clinical, lab, or work environment carries risk of exposure to disease. Students who require vaccinations as part of their lab protocol will be notified by their lab manager or PI and vaccinated by UCSF Occupational Health Services.

       

    • As part of ongoing COVID-19 containment measures, effective as of March 2020 Student Health and Counseling Services will be performing TB surveillance for students via the Quantiferon Gold blood test. Quantiferon testing is offered at no charge to continuing students*, regardless of your insurance carrier. Please send a secure message to the Student Health Nurse requesting the test. The nurse will place the order electronically and will message you back with instructions on where to go for your blood draw. Results are generally back within 2-3 days, or approximately the same interval as a TB skin test.