Work related immunisations and vaccinations

Vaccinations as a control measure

Unlike some prophylactic treatments that are given after there has been possible exposure, vaccinations are recommended before an activity is started and, in some cases, a vaccination may take some time to be effective.

UCL provides vaccinations to staff free of charge through Workplace Health, following the completion of a Job Hazard Identification form. The Job Hazard Identification form should be reviewed at least annually.

Roles for which a Job Hazard Identification is required

Line managers must ensure that all new staff who may be affected complete a Job Hazard Identification form as part of the induction process.

The following staff groups have been identified as those who, because of the nature of their work, could be accidentally exposed to biological agents and may be at risk of infection and will require a meeting with Workplace Health.

• People who regularly handle pathogens or potentially infected specimens e.g. laboratory staff, research staff, clinical staff
• Any activity that could expose people to animal allergens including maintenance work of the air handling system (exposure to animal allergens)
• Working with human blood, tissues or fluids including cleaning and first aid (human blood/fluids/tissue/infectious agents)
• Working with any disease for research that has an effective vaccination available (human blood/fluid/tissue/infectious agents)
• Cleaning and waste services staff who handle hazardous waste
• New staff, postgraduate students or people changing roles and starting work in these areas

Where can I get more information

• Workplace Health
• Biological safety
• Animal Allergens
• How to complete a good risk assessment

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