Vaccination coverage in practical training at HUS group

Under section 48 of the Communicable Diseases Act (1227/2016), students completing practical training at HUS Group hospitals must be protected from certain communicable diseases either through vaccination or by natural immunity following personal history of the diseases. These HUS guidelines set out in detail the diseases for which protection in accordance with the Act is required. They include the following:

• Measles
• Chickenpox
• Seasonal influenza
• Pertussis

For exceptional reasons only, unvaccinated students can operate in client and patient facilities where patients or clients susceptible to severe consequences of communicable diseases are treated. At HUS, such facilities include all client and patient facilities as well as medical and patient transport. This requirement applies to those working primarily or repeatedly on such premises. Vaccinations are voluntary.

In addition, a health assessment on pulmonary tuberculosis and salmonella in accordance with sections 55 and 56 of the Communicable Diseases Act is required. The tuberculosis assessment applies to students completing practical training in healthcare units. At HUS, such units include hospitals and outpatient units.

Please also note that the skin of your hands must be in good condition when starting a practical training period. Students are not allowed to have gel or sculpted nails. Before practical training periods, students must be familiar with the usual precautions, and during practical training, implement them in the care of each patient. Usual precautions include appropriate hand hygiene, blood exposure precautions, the use of protective gear, and disinfection in case of secretion stains.

Together with the Faculty of Medicine, the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) ensures that all students are eligible to complete practical training in accordance with the provisions of the Communicable Diseases Act. Further information on ensuring your vaccination coverage is available on the FSHS website. 

Before practical training at HUS (including clinical teaching at HUS), complete a self-assessment form for vaccination coverage at HUS at least one month before the beginning of the training period. In the self-assessment form, students declare with their signature that they fulfil the suitability for practical training tasks in accordance with the Communicable Diseases Act. The assessment can be presented orally, but HUS recommends submitting a written health assessment to the supervisor on arrival at the practical training. 

All students of the Faculty of Medicine must complete the self-assessment form for vaccination coverage. If, on the basis of the form, you have any possible or certain deficiencies in your vaccination coverage, please contact the FSHS.

These guidelines apply only to HUS, not practical training at or visits to other healthcare units.