Advice from the NSW Department of Health

"The Department, bearing in mind its recommendations to the general community, would hope that all students were adequately immunised against poliomyelitis, diphtheria and tetanus in childhood. They should have had a booster of Sabine vaccine against poliomyelitis and a booster of Adult Diphtheria Tetanus Toxoid (ADT) at about 25 years of age. In addition, persons particularly involved in health services would be wise to have had a Mantoux test and, if seronegative, to have had BCG vaccination (for tuberculosis)."

The guidelines of the College in relation to hepatitis B and health care workers and students indicate the need for hepatitis B immunisation before contact with blood/body fluids and state that it is their obligation to know their current hepatitis B status.

Hepatitis B inoculation and Mantoux testing

Students entering the course are advised that, for their own protection, they should contact the Student Health Service at the City campus to arrange for a Hepatitis B inoculation. These are available at a minimal cost to all TCM students.

Immunisation against Tetanus and Tuberculosis is also recommended for your protection. Information regarding Mantoux testing is also available through the Student Health Service. The Student Health Service can make individual or group arrangements for students to receive anti-Hepatitis B virus and anti-Tetanus vaccinations at any time. The Service is also able to offer advice on anti-Tuberculosis vaccination.

Further information on these matters is available from: Student Services Health Service on the City Campus (Tel: 9514 1166).

Student health and welfare

It is important that students, especially those entering a healing profession, should maintain good health and general well-being during their studies. The University has a Student Health Service that offers both health care and counseling services. Students will be participating in the University's acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine clinics as observers, assistants and, in their final year, as student practitioners. It is not appropriate for anyone with an infectious condition to work closely with patients. Should students be suffering from any communicable disease they must advise their clinical supervisor. Students who believe that they may be coming down with a cold, or some minor ailment, are advised to provide and wear a surgical mask to protect patients.