All students accepted into the second year cohort of the Veterinary Technology AAS program must be fully immunized with a pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis vaccine series and tetanus toxoid.
Why are rabies and tetanus immunizations required before starting the 2nd-year Veterinary Technology courses?
The Program’s curriculum includes many laboratories in which students will be working directly with animals and out in the environment. Animals are unpredictable and can carry diseases considered zoonotic and pass to humans, including Rabies.
Rabies is a virus that can infect all mammals. This is a viral central nervous system disease most often transmitted to humans through the bite of another animal. It is also possible to contract rabies through scratches or wounds contaminated with infected saliva. Rabies is 100% fatal if not treated in a timely manner. Having pre-exposure vaccines lessens the number of injections needed when exposed to a rabid animal. You can find more information at CDC.gov. In our program, you will be working with animals that come from the shelter or may have an unknown vaccination history. Full pre-exposure rabies vaccinations must be completed by the 1st day of your 2nd-year Veterinary Technology courses. The pre-exposure rabies immunizations series is a 2- shot series (CDC 5/6/22) that takes 1 week to complete. You are expected to get a vaccine on day 0 and day 7. This series is not usually covered by health insurance and the total estimated cost is about $1200.00.
Tetanus is a bacteria spore found in the environment that can be spread by scratches, dirt in wounds, and bites. It produces a toxin that can cause paralysis. Students are required to have their tetanus toxoid vaccines completed within the last 7 years. If your vaccine is going to lapse while you are in the program, it is the student's responsibility to keep it updated.
Where do I obtain my rabies and tetanus vaccines?
Vaccines can be obtained from the following sources:
- Passport Health Travel Clinics: Closest is located at 2034 E. Southern Ave, Ste. L, Tempe, AZ 85282
- Primary Care physician: call and ask about availability. They will likely need to order rabies vaccines for you.
- CVS or Walgreens: call and ask about availability. Make sure they will have enough for all three shots on the days you need them. Missing a dose will require you to start the series over to be considered in compliance.
Be sure to check with your insurance carrier to see if it is covered by your health insurance.
Vaccine proof will need to be submitted to the Veterinary Technology program before attending the first day of classes for 2nd-year cohort students.
Immunization declination is available for medical and religious reasons. May limit clinical opportunities.