Employee Immunization Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect employees who may be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) during their job duties. The University will comply with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard by offering the Hepatitis B vaccination series and with CDC recommendations to provide the Tdap vaccine and/or boosters.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees with job duties that place them at risk of occupational exposure to blood or OPIM, including grounds, facilities, and maintenance staff for employee types of full-time, part-time, temporary, and student employees.

Policy

I. Hepatitis B Vaccination

Hepatitis B is a liver disease that can cause short- and long-term illnesses and symptoms. Employees can review information about the efficacy, safety, and benefits of the vaccination via the CDC website.

In alignment with OSHA regulations, the Hepatitis B vaccination series will be made available at no cost to employees who have occupational exposure, as defined by the scope of this policy.

The initial dose of the vaccination will be provided within 10 working days of the employee’s hire date and arranged through human resources, unless the employee submits:

• Proof of completed vaccination series, or
• Proof of antibody testing confirming immunity, or
• A declination form.

II. Tetanus Vaccination and Booster

Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani or C. tetani and can enter the body through cuts or wounds. Tetanus can cause painful stiffening of the muscles.

Employees can review information about the efficacy, safety, and benefits of the vaccination via the CDC website.

In alignment with CDC recommendations, the tetanus vaccination and booster series will be made available at no cost to employees who have occupational exposure, as defined by the scope of this policy.

The vaccination will be provided within 10 working days of the employee’s hire date and arranged through human resources, unless the employee submits:

• Proof of completed vaccination series within the last 10 years (TD or Tdap), or
• Proof of completed booster series within the last 10 years (Td or Tdap), or
• A declination form.

III. Declination Form

Employees who decline the Hepatitis B or Tetanus vaccination must sign the declination form. This form will be provided and maintained by human resources.

Employees may change their mind and request the vaccination at a later date, at no cost, if they remain in a role within the scope of this policy. Employees interested in either vaccine beyond the 10-day new hire window, should contact their supervisor to discuss next steps.

All vaccination records and declination forms will be maintained confidentially in the employee’s medical file.