Immunization Program

Overview

KAUST offers an immunization program that is managed through Occupational Health and supported by KAUST health. Occupational Health assists those who have risk to exposure by identifying appropriate immunization status.

Faculty, staff, and students at KAUST experience a wide range of occupational risk factors for vaccine preventable illness.

Preexposure immunization should be offered to people at risk of infection or exposure to specific agents such as rabies virus (e.g., if working with species at risk for infection) or hepatitis B virus (e.g., if working with human blood or human tissues, cell lines, or stocks).

It is also important to immunize animal care personnel against tetanus and vaccination is recommended if research is to be conducted on infectious diseases for which effective vaccines are available.

Hepatitis B Vaccination

Who should get the vaccine?

Those who have Occupational exposure to human blood, blood products, bodily fluids or tissues. For example, handling contaminated sharps, blood/serum centrifuging, extracting, testing or storing
Research or lab workers that may be exposed to blood, blood products, or bodily fluids
Occupational travel to Hepatitis B endemic countries

Hepatitis B Serology (blood test for immunity)

May be required to confirm immune status if:
- You believe that you have received Hepatitis B primary vaccination series but have no documented record of vaccination

Hepatitis B

Tetanus Diphtheria

Who should get the vaccine?

Any workers handling animals or animal tissues
Anyone who has not received a booster in 10 years

Tetanus Diphtheria

Rabies

Who should get the vaccine?

Researchers, that could come into contact with animals that may carry the rabies virus or working with the rabies virus

Rabies

Seasonal Influenza

Who should get the vaccine?

All adult workers
Those at an increased risk of exposure to influenza
Those at higher risk of getting ill due to underlying health conditions

Seasonal Influenza

What do I do if need a vaccine booster?

KIf it has been identified that you require a Tetanus Diphtheria, Hepatitis B or Rabies vaccination through a health surveillance program (e.g., Animal Exposure program screening program, Blood borne pathogen exposure program) you will require documentation to support your vaccination status (including titer where vaccination records cannot be produced). Send your records to the Occupational Health Specialist at occupational.health@kaust.edu.sa

In Kingdom, vaccinations can be provided at KAUST health at a cost. You must receive prior approval from your supervisor to ensure the cost of the booster will be covered by the department. Reimbursement requests can be made through your department.