Please note: If health requirements are not completed, the student will not be able to attend class, lab or clinical.
Bellin College offers enrolled students routine services, such as yearly TB skin tests and influenza (flu) vaccination. Flu vaccines are administered for free at Bellin College each fall. Students assume responsibility for all health costs that are not a part of the routine student health services. Such costs might include health problems present prior to admission to the College, long-term illness, surgical treatment, prescription medications, dental and eye care, illness, or injury. Costs of hospitalization or physician care beyond those covered by insurance are the responsibility of the student and/or the student’s family. Additional vaccination or titers, such as QuantiFERON Gold blood testing for tuberculosis, will be the responsibility of the student to obtain and pay for.
Tuberculosis Testing
Students will adhere to the standards for communicable disease prevention for tuberculosis and follow the health requirements set by the Wisconsin Healthcare Alliance and agencies in which Bellin holds clinical affiliation agreements.
Tuberculosis skin test (TST): Initial 2 step TB skin tests and annual 1 step TB renewal if required. Skin tests will be offered at Bellin College's locations. Intradermal injection of 0.1ml of tuberculin Purified Protein derivative (PPD) into the inner surface of the forearm by a trained health care provider.
TB testing guidelines:
- Baseline TB screening using a two-step TST or single blood assay test IGRA (QuantiFERON Gold or T-Spot).
- If a student received a positive PPD result, the student must provide the following documentation:
- Positive TB skin test results
- Negative chest x-ray dated post positive TST conversion.
- Complete annual health symptom TB specific questionnaire.
- Any further follow up will be completed by the Health and Wellness Coordinator.
- If a student is positive for active TB disease, the student must participate in an active treatment plan to be reviewed annually. The student is not eligible to participate in clinical practicum until the healthcare provider determines the student is not communicable.
- TST will be offered at no expense to students.
- It is the responsibility of the students to attend the Bellin College provided TST sessions during scheduled times. If they are unable, individuals will be responsible for reaching out to the Health and Wellness Coordinator to schedule.
- Students must complete an annual health symptom TB specific questionnaire. This is available on Viewpoint.
- Annual Skin test or blood assay will only be necessary if required by your assigned clinical agency. You will be notified by the Health and Wellness coordinator if this is necessary. TST will be offered at no expense to students.
- It is the responsibility of the students to attend the Bellin College provided TST sessions during scheduled times. If they are unable, students will be responsible for reaching out to the Health and Wellness Coordinator to schedule a time.
- Student Services will maintain a list of qualified TB screeners. These are the only healthcare professionals that may read the skin test.
- TST readers are trained following the guidelines of the CDC.
- Students will be encouraged to take a photo of the form for their personal records.
- TST readers will give the completed document to the student following the reading. The student will be responsible to upload the documentation to Viewpoint. Lost documentation will require repeat testing.
Influenza (flu) Immunization
Bellin College’s policy is to protect the health of students, staff, and the community. The College endorses universal flu vaccination and follows the guidelines provided by the Bellin Health System.
- The influenza (flu) vaccine will be provided free of charge to all Bellin College students through its annual flu clinic.
- To be compliant, students must receive the influenza vaccine by the annual participation deadline of December 1. (This date is subject to change based on flu activity and vaccine availability and will be determined by Bellin Health System.)
- Students are mandated to sign a Bellin College consent in order to receive the influenza vaccine at the College.
- Students immunized at a location outside of Bellin College, such as a private physician office, pharmacy, or public clinic, must provide proof of immunization and sign a declination. Acceptable forms of proof are a physician’s note or immunization record which includes date of vaccination.
- All students will receive a sticker, showing they received the vaccine, which must always be worn on their badge during the influenza season.
- If a student chooses to decline the flu vaccine. They must apply for an exemption. Please reach out to the Health & Wellness Coordinator.