Immunisations and CRB checks

The article below contains information relating to medicines. If ever in doubt, speak to your GP or medical school and always confirm any advice on MedApp and MedApp forums with your own research

Immunisations

A condition of your entrance into medical school requires that you pass the medical screening. Part of this involves you being up to date with all your immunisations. This is for your safety as well as the patients. Needle stick injuries and exposure to bodily fluids are not uncommon in medicine. Also a doctor, you have a duty to protect your patients whenever possible, and as prevention is better than cure, it is essential that you do comply with regulation and advice at all times.

Also medicine applicants are advised to begin a course of immunisation against hepatitis B. Medical schools tend to ask that the immunisation course begin as soon as possible, applicants however are sometimes worried about ‘jinxing’ their application. Whatever you feel it is essential that you are immunised. Ring your doctor to arrange and discuss having the vaccine. 3 doses must be taken over the period of one year. If your last dose falls while you are at medical school, you need not worry. Speak to the medical school and they will let you know what you can do, often the blood test can be done any time in your first year as you rarely encounter any patients.

The blood test which you have to confirm that you are protected against hepatitis B may be offered to you by your GP at home. They would then give you a certificate to show to the medical schools. Before you do this, you may like to speak to the admissions office as many universities will not accept this certificate. They require that students have their blood test done at the university’s general practice.

Related Links

To read about hep B, see patient UK – a site you will come to love as a student!
For students already affected by hepatitis B.

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