PGME Immunization & Mask Fit Test Requirements

All new postgraduate learners must meet TB testing requirements before their training start date.

To view an infographic of the TB testing requirements, click here

New Postgraduate Learners

If you have a negative TB test history, use the table below to identify your situation and the documentation you are required to provide.

Two-Step Mantoux Test Process

If you are required to complete a two-step Mantoux test, follow the process below. Please note that the entire two-step process must be completed within 4 weeks.

Note:

• A TST may be given before, on the same day as, or at least 28 days after a live virus vaccine.
• A Mantoux test can be completed by visiting a walk- in clinic, your family doctor’s office, local public health units, some pharmacies or in your home country healthcare institution

If you have a positive TB test history, you must provide:

• Positive TB test results
• A chest X-ray report
• Report from provider or clinic that you have been screened for symptoms or if you have ever been treated for active or latent tuberculosis

Important notes:

• BCG vaccination is not a contraindication for TST
• A chest X-ray alone is not accepted as a substitute for the TST
• No further TB testing is required once this documentation has been submitted.

Returning Postgraduate Learners

Annual TB testing Requirement

If you previously tested negative, you must complete an annual TB test.

You may provide either:

• one-step Mantoux test, or
• IGRA Test

Requirements:

• The test must be valid through your training start date.

Returning learners must ensure their TB test is renewed before the next academic year if it expires.

Immunization & Proof of Immunity:

Hepatitis B immunization consists of a series of 2–3 injections.

To meet the requirement, learners must provide:

• Lab evidence of immunity (Hepatitis B antibody/HBsAb), and
• Date the titre was drawn

Titre results typically take 2-4 business days to be processed once received by the public health laboratory.

You are considered non-immune if:

• You do not have detectable Hepatitis B antibody (HBsAb)

In the case you are non-immune to Hepatitis B, you must:

Be screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). 

• If HBsAg is negative:
  • You must complete a second series of Hepatitis B vaccinations and submit a repeat Hepatitis B antibody test after the series is complete.
  • Please consult your physician on vaccination timeline
• If HBsAg is positive: 
  • You must also be screened for Hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg).

Hepatitis B Carriers:

Learners who test positive for Hepatitis B will have a conditional registration status until their case is reviewed by the Temerty Faculty of Medicine Expert Panel on Infection Control. 

Related Guidelines & Policies:

• Procedural Memorandum for Hepatitis B Carriers
• Blood Body Fluid Exposure Policy (Needlestick Injury Procedural Guideline) 
• SHEA Guideline for Hep B,C and HIV

Proof of Immunity:

To meet the MMR requirement, you must provide either:

• Documentation of at least two doses of the MMR vaccine, with each dose given at least 28 days apart,
  OR 
• Lab evidence of immunity a positive IgG antibody result for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.

Please note that titre results may take 5–7 business days to be processed once received by the public health laboratory.

Proof of Immunity:

To meet the Varicella requirement, you must provide either:

• Documentation of two doses of the Varicella vaccine, with each does given at least 28 days apart, 
  OR 
• Lab evidence of immunity a positive IgG antibody for Varicella. 

Important Note: A reported childhood illness is not acceptable evidence of immunity.

Please note that titre results may take 5–7 business days to be processed once received by the public health laboratory.

Diphtheria & Tetanus: 

• Immunization is valid for 10 years after the last dose. 
• A booster shot is required if your most recent vaccination was more than 10 years ago. 

Acellular Pertussis: 

• A single dose is required as an adolescent or adult. 
• This dose can be taken at any time, without waiting 10 years after your last diphtheria/tetanus boosters. 

Polio (IPV: 

• Primary immunization against polio is sufficient.
• No routine booster is required.

What to Complete

Full Immunization Form, signed by: 

• You, and
• A healthcare professional (including clinic information)

Deadline

• You have 60 days from your training start date to submit all requirements. 

How to Submit:

• Upload your completed and signed Full immunization Form to the Registration Document Portal 
• Do not email your immunization forms.

Check Your Status in POWER: 

• Log into POWER and go to Messages on the home page to view any missing or expiring immunization requirements. 

Renewal Requirements

• Annual TB Test (if previously negative) renew every 12 months 

Submit a 1-step Mantoux test or IGRA using the Annual 1-Step TB Test Form

• Mask Fit Test - renew every 2 years
  • Submit the mask fit test form
  • Must be signed by a healthcare professional (not yourself). 

How to Submit:

• Upload completed forms to the Registration Document Portal
• Do not email your mask fit form

Mask fit testing is not required for initial registration; however, it must be completed and submitted within 60 days of your training start date. Complete your mask fit test at your hospital training site's Occupational Health Office

Upload your documentation to the Registration Document Portal  

Please visit the occupational health office at your training site to complete you mask fit test.

• You must complete and submit a valid mask fit test before your training start date.
• Upload your documentation to the Registration Document Portal

• Ensure your mask fit test remains valid for the duration of your training. 
• Mask fit tests are valid for 24 months from the date of your last test.
• If your mask is expired or will expire during your training:
• Complete a new mask fit test, and
• Upload the updated documentation to the Registration Document Portal before they expires

Please visit the occupational health office at your training site to complete you mask fit test.