Healthcare at West Virginia University

Volunteer

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Volunteering

What immunizations are required?

In order to provide a safe environment for both patients and volunteers, you are required to provide documentation of the following vaccinations:

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella: proof of two separate doses
• Chicken Pox: have had chicken pox or proof of two varicella vaccinations
• Hepatitis B: Series of three vaccinations; at least one must be administered prior to start time
• Tuberculosis Skin Test (TB): if you have not had a recent skin test (past 12 months) two separate tests will be administered; the first and then the second test will be administered 7-10 days later
• Tetanus (Td): documentation of dose received within the last 10 years

The only immunization/test administered to Junior Volunteers by Employee Health is a TB test. Junior Volunteers must obtain any necessary immunizations from their medical provider.  Junior volunteers with questionable/no history of chickenpox must see their medical provider for vaccination or provide documentation of positive varicella antibody.

Additional considerations are:

1. Employee Health will be administering the TB skin test and the Hepatitis B vaccinations only.
2. A questionable chicken pox history will be verified with a blood test to determine antibody levels.  The volunteer will be responsible for this vaccination if needed.
3. Volunteers born before 1957 will be tested for antibody levels for MMR if no vaccination records are available.  In the event a volunteer has a negative antibody titer, the volunteer will be responsible for obtaining the required vaccinations from their medical provider prior to starting in a clinical area.
4. Volunteers working in high-risk areas i.e., Peds, ER or CDC will need Tetanus/pertussis vaccine  (Tdap) administered if the last documented dose of Td has been greater than 2 yrs.

A history of receiving BCG immunizations does not exclude a volunteer from TB testing.  This will be reviewed with the volunteer at the time of the visit.  In the event a volunteer has a positive TB skin test reading, the volunteer will be required to be evaluated by his/her physician for a chest x-ray and possible prophylactic therapy with INH.  The cost of this treatment is the responsibility of the volunteer.  A copy of the chest x-ray report and physician evaluation will be required prior to start time. 

It is imperative to have all immunization records reviewed by the Employee Health Nurse prior to obtaining any additional vaccinations.

You can apply to Volunteer Services by completing our online application or request an application by contacting us:

West Virginia University Hospitals Volunteer Services
P.O. Box 8075
Morgantown, WV 26506-8075

E-mail: becknern@wvuh.com
Phone: 304-598-4134
Fax: 304-598-4009

Please note: Junior Volunteer applicants must be accompanied by a parent during their interview.

Apply to be a Volunteer