immunization requirements

Not_A_Hat_Person, RN · Jul 15, 2011

My nursing school accepted my high school vaccination records, but I still had to get chicken pox titers (which my insurance covered). I also had to get the entire Hep B series, since it wasn't required when I went to school.

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Jul 15, 2011

My nursing school accepted my high school vaccination records, but I still had to get chicken pox titers (which my insurance covered). I also had to get the entire Hep B series, since it wasn't required when I went to school.

I never thought about my HS transcripts. Well....I'm looking at them right now and it says POLIO *******, DPTTD ********, MEASLES ** **/**, MUMPS ** **/**, RUBELLA ** **/**......Dang it! The tuition for the CNA course I'm taking includes the HEP B so I'm ok with that. I'm anti-flu vaccine but if it's required, I'll have to get it. I should be getting paperwork in the mail in the next few weeks so I should know more then.

I've been told that I'll always test positive for TB since I was on INH therapy, which is why I continue to get chest xrays every time I need to update my TB screen. Is that not true?

BabyLady, BSN, RN · Jul 15, 2011

I'm just starting my nursing school journey with CNA classes beginning next month. I've applied to nursing school and figured I'd get my CNA done while I wait to hear if I am accepted. What do I do if I don't have ANY of my immunization records (other than my "under the arm" smallpox shot scar)? Will I need titers done for everything?!?!? My TB screen came back "positive"* back in 1992 so I've done chest xrays every 4 years ever since (I did the INH therapy as well). (*Don't get me started on the TB screen! The nurse who read it said it measured more than it should but the other nurses in the office all said it was fine. Thanks to that one nurse, I've had to pay for chest xrays every 4 years so I could continue teaching. Grrrrr!!!!) I know it's been well over 10 years since I had a tetorifice shot so I'm ok with paying for that. The school pays for the Hep B, drug screen and the TB test (but I'm guessing not my chest xray). Any idea how much titers cost and which ones I'll need?
Thanks!

I too, had the same problem because the hospital that I originally got my vaccinations through the hospital shut down and my school records from where I got them were lost in a fire when I was in the 8th grade.

The TB test..just get a new one and see what it says. Then you get a chest X-ray if it is still positive...there is no law that says you cannot get a second opinion on another TB test.

The tetorifice, you should have a record for because a booster is necessary.

Your MMR, you also need to take for a booster, if you have not had one since you were small.

Chicken Pox, immunity can be proven with a titer if you had the disease or the immunization, if you did not, you will need this vaccine because they didn't have this when you were small (I'm judging your age by the fact you have had the smallpox vaccine).

Hepatitis B, is required by most facilities, you will also need this series.

I would also recommend Hepatitis A vaccine, even though most places do not require it.

That should cover you on the requirements. They are not concerned about some of the vaccines such as menengitis, polio, etc..if you KNOW you got these as a child, you will be ok in a healthcare setting, however, if there is any doubt in your mind that you may not have received this, it would be smart to get them.

Good Luck!

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Jul 15, 2011

I know I've had all of my childhood vaccines as well as chicken pox but without records it looks like I'll either have to get re-vaccinated or get titers done. It's probably easier to get them done that to spend days online and on the phone trying to track them down, especially since most of my school records were done long before anything was computerized. (NOTE TO SELF: thank goodness I've kept impeccable records for my own kids!) There are so many more vaccines required these days (don't get me started on vaccines.....) so I'll have to suck it up and get whatever they require. :)

THANK YOU!