The Postgraduate Medical Education Office adheres to the Immunization Policy of the Council of Ontario Faculties of Medicine, as outlined in the following document:
Documentary proof of current immunization against specific diseases must be submitted to the Postgraduate Medical Education Office with the trainees’ Letter of Appointment (LOA). Trainees cannot start clinical practice without completing the immunization requirements. The specific immunization requirements for all trainees are:
Students must have an initial baseline two-step Mantoux skin test and an annual TB skin test thereafter if the results are negative. A chest x-ray is required if the TB skin test is positive.
Immunization is a series of 3 injections. Following vaccination, all students must be tested for anti-HBs antibodies, and the results must also be submitted to the Faculty Postgraduate Office. Individuals who are non-immune (i.e. do not have the antibodies against HBsAg or no prior history of immunization), must be screened for the surface antigen (HBsAg) prior to registration. If the HBsAg result is positive, a further screen for e-antigen (HBeAg) must be performed. Those who are non-immune and HBsAg negative must undergo a second series of HBV immunization, and subsequent lab evidence of immunity. Registration status for HBV Carriers remains CONDITIONAL until the Expert Panel on Infection Control reviews their case.
Proof of two immunization dates or positive titre results. Immunization against mumps is strongly recommended.
VZV titre, or 2 varicella vaccines.
Immunization against diphtheria, tetanus and polio is generally valid for ten years. Proof of up-to-date immunization status is recommended. Acellular pertussis vaccination strongly recommended.
Hospitals/training sites affiliated with the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine have respiratory protection policies and procedures to follow when at risk of exposure to airborne infectious agents, specifically tuberculosis. To protect the health and safety of our trainees, patients and staff, trainees must comply with the assigned sites’ respective policies, including the Ministry of Labor orders issued under the Occupational Health and Safety Act regarding the use of N95 respirators/masks.
Trainees have 60 days from their start date to complete the mask-fit testing and report to the PGME Office.
The PGME Full Immunization Form and Mask Fit Form (with instructions) are to be completed, signed and returned to the PGME Office within the designated time period.
Returning trainees are required to complete an annual TB Test, using the TB Skin Test Form.
Trainees who are fully registered with the PGME Office may have the tests done at their training sites’ Occupational Health Office.
In order to submit your full immunization record, annual Tuberculin skin test update and/or N95 mask fitting, please upload your documents via the PGME ShareFile website.
