I am considering applying to medical schools, however, I have a problem! I do not want to go through the required immunizations for admission to any of the schools. I know this may seem crazy, but ever since I had a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine, I have been extremely leary of putting anything in my system. I am not allergic to eggs, so it was not the protein that triggered the reaction, which left my allergist confused. I received the MMR and the DPT as a child and apparently had no reaction, however, medical schools also require Polio, Hepatitis B, Varicella, and Tuberculosis. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF I WOULD BE ALLOWED TO GET AN EXEMPTION FROM BEING VACCINATED!! Would this be a right of mine, or would they require it because I potentially could put patients at risk? What do hospitals require? Would not being vaccinated affect my clinicals, residency, etc.? Has anyone ever heard of a dillema like this? Is there an organization which oversees the regulation of this? I really want to be a doctor! Any suggestions? HELP!!!!
I believe all schools require it...at COMP you are deregistered if you are not up to date, and there are no exceptions that I am aware of. Going into the medical field, full immunizations is a MUST, and there really is no concrete reason for you not to get them. Past fear is understandable, but not enough to put others around you, students, collegues, and patients at risk... Good luck... I would rethink my decision....
I would rethink your decision. As much as you may not like getting the shots, getting Hepatitis would probably suck a whole lot more.
I think you should speak with a nurse at one of the medical school's health centers. A second opinion would help you understand what possibly happened before. All vaccinations will not give you a reaction. To answer your question, the immunizations are to protect you, not the patients. Also, the hospitals require it in order to have you rotate/work there. Not only are the immunizations itself required, but also titers to show that you have enough antibodies in your system for protection. Even if you do not decide to become a doctor, you are putting yourself at extreme risk by avoiding vaccinations. Please talk to an infectious disease specialist. For example, many students or people living in close quarters have died of meningitis (infection of the cerebral spinal fluid), a painful and extremely communicable disease that works very quickly, by not having received a simple vaccination. Childhood vaccinations do not last a lifetime. Please reconsider.
If you have a medical or religious exeptions you are not required to have vaccinations. However, going into the medical profession carries the risk of exposure to many diseases that can be prevented by vaccinations. I think you should go ahead and get the vaccines
The evidence of the benefits of vaccines is overwhelming. As physician it is important to inform, encourage, and administer vaccines to your patients. How can you do this if you refuse to take them yourself?
Wow, some good posts here! Let me add, as an MPH that the immunization process is very important for your health and safety -subsequently, aslo that of the people whom you will care for. You should consult a health professional to determine the nature of your previous reaction. If you are at risk for serious reaction(s) to further vax, you stand better informed, plus you have a platform to make an appeal to medical school.
