Sacramento State
Sutter Hospital Volunteer Program
Health Requirements and Important Information
All Sacramento State Sutter Hospital Volunteer Program information can be found at:
 http://www.csus.edu/careercenter/students/Internships-Volunteerism/sutter%20program.html
Health Requirements
2 Step TB Test
 What is a TB test? Also known as a PPD skin test, the TB test is a standard skin test used to
determine if someone has developed an immune response to the bacterium that causes tuberculosis
(TB). The skin test involves an injection beneath the surface of the skin. The test must be “read” by a
health professional within 48-72 hours after the injection to determine a negative or positive reaction.
Sutter Medical Center requires hospital volunteers get two TB tests.
 When should I take the 2-Step TB test? 1st test should be taken within the last 12 months and
the 2nd test must be completed in the last 90 days. If students do not have 2-Step TB test, they
may get TB tests done one week apart consecutively. The 2nd TB test must be taken a week
from the date the 1st test has been “read” by a health professional.
 What documentation do I need to submit? Please provide written record of date and results for
both TB tests. Please note: If you have tested positive for TB in the past, you must get a chest x-ray
to prove TB is not active. Chest x-ray must be done in the last 12 months.
 Where can I go to get a 2-Step TB test? Sacramento State Student Health Services offers TB
Skin Tests for no charge.
Flu Shot
 What is a flu shot? Also known as influenza vaccine, the flu shot delivers antibodies that develop
in the body to provide protection against infection from the flu virus. An annual flu shot is
recommended for anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu.
 What dates do I need to have received the flu shot? Flu shots must be recent and have been
received in the past 3 months (no later than August 30, 2015).
 What documentation do I need to submit? Written proof from clinic, hospital or health center
with date flu shot was administered.
 Where can I go to get a flu shot?
1. Sacramento State Student Health Services offers the flu shot for no charge.
2. Employee Health Center (Across from Sutter General)
3. Clinics that offer flu vaccinations. May use American Lung Association’s Flu Vaccine Finder to
find a local clinic www.lung.org/lung-disease/influenza/flu-vaccine-finder/
2 MMR Vaccinations (measles, mumps, rubella)
 What is the MMR vaccine? The MMR vaccine is a three-in-one vaccine that protects against
Measles, Mumps and Rubella, three viral diseases that are potentially very serious. MMR is given in
two shots, typically during childhood. In most states, proof of the MMR vaccine is required for
children to enter school. CSUS requires new and readmitted students to present proof of immunity
to measles and rubella or be immunized in order to continue their education.
 Are there dates or timelines I should be aware of? No, this requirement is not time
sensitive; it just needs to be completed. The majority of Sac State students have this vaccination
Sacramento State ▪ Academic Advising & Career Center ▪ www.csus.edu/careercenter ▪ 2015
Sacramento State
Sutter Hospital Volunteer Program
as all new and readmitted students must present proof of immunity or show immunization to
continue their education at a CSU campus.
2 MMR Vaccinations continued:
 What documentation do I need to submit? Documentation showing immunity proved by a
titer or immunization records.
 Where can I obtain documentation for this requirement?
To obtain documentation:
1. Ask parent and/or guardian for documentation.
2. Check with primary care physician for records of immunizations.
3. Sac State students may also call Student Health Services to inquire if their records are on file. If
so, students may obtain a copy of written records.
If you do not have access to your records:
1. Obtain a titer, blood test, to determine if you are immune to the disease. Students are
encouraged to contact their primary care physician. Titers are also administered at Student
Health Services.
a. If the titer proves immunity, provide this documentation in your application packet.
b. If the titer results show you are not immune, students must obtain two MMR vaccinations
from their primary care physician or Student Health Services
2 Varicella Vaccinations
 What is the Varicella Vaccination? The Varicella vaccination protects against Varicella also
known as chickenpox. This disease is an infection that is generally mild, but highly contagious and
can be severe. The disease causes a rash that spreads to eventually become blisters. The
vaccination is typically administered to children to prevent the disease. If a person does contract
the disease, the virus that causes chickenpox remains in the body for life.
 Are there dates or timelines I should be aware of? No, similar with the MMR vaccination,
this requirement is not time sensitive.
 What if I have had chickenpox? Please indicate this on page 6 of your application by checking
the yes box on question #4 “Have you ever had chickenpox?” No further documentation is
required as you have met the requirement at this point.
 What documentation do I need to submit?
If you have not had chickenpox or are not sure:
1. Ask parent and/or guardian for written record of Varicella vaccination.
2. Check with primary care physician for records of immunization.
If you do not have documentation:
1. Obtain a titer, blood test, to determine immunity to the disease. If the titer proves that you
are immune, provide this documentation in application. If titer proves you are not immune,
obtain vaccination from primary care physician or Student Health Services.
Hepatitis B shots
 What is the Hepatitis B shot? The Hepatitis B shot is a three-part series that helps protect
against Hepatitis B virus which causes an irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the liver due to
infection. The majority of children receive the Hepatitis B shot between birth and 6 months.
Sacramento State ▪ Academic Advising & Career Center ▪ www.csus.edu/careercenter ▪ 2015
Sacramento State
Sutter Hospital Volunteer Program
 Do I need to provide proof of meeting this requirement? No, this is not required for all
volunteers, only volunteers in high-risk departments such as ER, ICU, Medical/Surgical, Telemetry
and X-Ray will be required to meet this health requirement.
Hepatitis B shots continued:
 If I am required to provide documentation, what do I need to do?
Once placed in unit that requires Hepatitis B vaccination:
1. Ask parent and/or guardian for written record of Hepatitis B vaccination.
2. Check with primary care physician for records of immunization.
If you do not have documentation:
1. Obtain a titer, blood test, to determine immunity to the disease. If the titer proves that you
are immune, provide this documentation in application. If titer proves you are not immune,
obtain vaccination from primary care physician, Student Health Services or Employee Health
Center across from Sutter General.
 If I am not immune to the disease, do I need all three shots in the series to begin
volunteering? No, getting one shot of the series will be enough to fulfill the requirement to begin
volunteering. However, volunteers will need to get the rest of the series while volunteering.
 What if I have had 1 or 2 shots in the series? All series will have to be completed in order to
continue your volunteer position.
Resources
 Sacramento State Student Health Services
 Visit https://shcssacstate.org/ for more information
 Not all services are free.
 Call (916) 278-6461 for questions.
 Schedule appointments at least two weeks in advance using online patient portal.
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Sutter
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Medical Center Volunteer Services Office
http://www.suttermedicalcenter.org/volunteer/contactus.html
Call (916) 733-8329
E-mail: smcsvolunteerservices@sutterhealth.org
Employee Health Center: 2801 K Street Suite 115a Sacramento, CA 95816
Important Dates:
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Friday, December 4, 2015: Application deadline at 5 p.m.
Thursday, December 10, 2015: 1st round of applicants placed.
Friday, December 11, 2015: 1st round of applicants must accept/deny placement by 12 noon.
Monday, December 14, 2015: 2nd round of applicants placed.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015: 2nd round of applicants must accept/deny placement by 12 noon.
Friday December 18, 2015: Students with confirmed placements must complete background check
(Background check information will be emailed directly to placed candidates)
TBD: Sutter Hospital on-site orientation
Still have questions? Contact Emanuel Melgarejo at melgarejo@csus.edu or (916) 278-7205
Sacramento State ▪ Academic Advising & Career Center ▪ www.csus.edu/careercenter ▪ 2015
Sacramento State
Sutter Hospital Volunteer Program
Notes
Sacramento State ▪ Academic Advising & Career Center ▪ www.csus.edu/careercenter ▪ 2015