MPAS Immunization Requirements Policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure alignment to the University of Saskatchewan Health Sciences’ programs comprehensive and standardized approach to vaccination and serology testing requirements for students enrolled in their programs. This approach is based on best practice guidelines, in conjunction with Saskatchewan Health Authority.

If a student believes they have rationale for non-compliance with the required immunizations, this must be discussed in advance. If a student is unable to comply with the required immunizations, they may be excluded from certain clinical placement sites or may be asked to leave their clinical placement site in the event of an outbreak. Therefore, the ability to complete all required elements of the MPAS program may be in jeopardy, and admission to the MPAS Program may also be in jeopardy.

This could mean that completion of the program is not possible, or it could mean that a ‘waiver’ form must be signed if alternatives are identified.

The immunization requirements of students for clinical practice courses are outlined herein. Students should not delay attending to these immunization requirements; some processes related to immunizations take time.

It is the RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT to ensure all immunization requirements have been met in a timely manner.

On admission to the MPAS program, students are asked to sign a statement of compliance with the immunization requirements for the College, which will be kept in the respective confidential student file. This statement will be similar to the statement below. Please read this statement in advance to understand what it requires, as students must complete a document entitled “Immunization Requirements Consent to Comply” (included with MPAS program registration materials).

“I agree to comply with all the immunization requirements of the College of Medicine Master of Physician Assistant Studies program as outlined in the document above unless there are ‘significant extenuating circumstances.’ Any perceived ‘extenuating circumstances’ must immediately be reported to the MPAS program team for investigation and consultation as to whether they can be accommodated. I understand that failure to comply with the immunization requirements will normally impact my participation in clinical practice courses.”

• Completion of “Immunization Requirements Consent to Comply” form
• Completion of all immunization requirements.
• Costs associated with completion of immunization requirements. Most immunizations are covered by your Provincial Health card, with one exception being the Two Step Tuberculin skin test, which will cost approximately $80.
• Provide official, signed evidence of immunization status on entry into the program.
• It is recommended that, when possible, the immunization profile is completed through the USask Student Wellness Centre to be officially entered into their files. If immunizations and serology tests are completed elsewhere, these records must then be submitted to the U of S Student Wellness Centre for review and verification. When this is complete the student is provided an electronic signed copy of their completed record by the Student Wellness Centre. This document along with proof of Covid-19 vaccination must then be submitted by the student, electronically, to mpas.admissions@usask.ca  by the date specified in the student welcome package of each year.
• Hepatitis B immunizations, if not previously received, must at least show documentation that the series of immunizations has been started prior to entering the MPAS program. There is approximately a 6-month time frame to receive the complete Hep. B immunizations series, and serology for proof of protection, and this series may be completed after starting the program. The Hep B series of vaccinations must be completed prior to beginning Year 2 of the MPAS program.
• Must have all blood tests completed (titres) before entering the MPAS, except for the serology for Hepatitis B which can only be completed after you have completed the full series of Hepatitis B vaccinations.
• The health environment is constantly changing and in fact may vary with each health institution. There may be new requirements for additional immunizations, or immunity status testing, to upgrade the status and comply with USask or Saskatchewan Health Authority required vaccinations during the program. This is also necessary to meet standards required for various clinical placements. The costs associated with any additional immunizations or testing are normally the student’s responsibility.
• Clinical facilities may require that a student present documentation of up-to-date immunizations, or that the College verify that the record is complete, prior to a clinical practicum. The Student Wellness Centre signed validation (provided to each student) should be kept on hand in the event that a health facility asks to see it.

• Keep student immunization records in a secure, confidential central records file and update, as required, during the time in the program.
• The U of S Student Wellness Centre stores and reviews immunization records for each student while in the MPAS Program.
• Clinical facilities may require that a student present documentation of up-to-date immunizations, or that the College verify that the record is complete, prior to a clinical practicum. The Student Wellness Centre signed validation (provided to each student) should be kept on hand in the event that a health facility asks to see it.

Failure to submit validation of a completed, required immunization profile to the MPAS program by the date specified in the admissions package, may result in the student being unable to complete the requirements in any of clinical practice courses of the program. Clinical facilities can, and at times do, refuse a student assignment to the facility for clinical practicum experience based on failure to comply with immunization requirements.

Program Manager, Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Program
Phone: 306-966-4252