immunization requirements

K_girl · Jul 14, 2011

Which titers are you needing?

The varicella titer was 79.00 for me.

Annaiya, NP · Jul 14, 2011

I paid a total of about $300 for all of my titers and TB test. I wasn't able to get records of my childhood vaccinations and never had varicella vaccine just got the disease. So I needed to have a lot done. Getting revaccinated is cheaper, but I didn't want vaccines if I already had the immunity.

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Jul 14, 2011

I had chicken pox as a kid but I read somewhere that the doctor can't just write "had chicken pox as a child" on the form; I have to show immunity. I'll need to have all the titers they require (I'm not sure what those are yet) since I have no proof of anything. $300..yikes! I hope my insurance covers at least some of it!

cyntrim · Jul 14, 2011

I would recommend that you check with your health department for the immunizations. Mine were alot cheaper there versus the drs office and my insurance would not pay. I paid $25 per shot at health department.

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Jul 14, 2011

I never thought about the health department. Is there any income cap with being able to use the health department? Since our insurance covers well visits and preventative care, I wonder if it covers any of this? I know I've had all my shots so I hate the thought of getting them all over again (I'm borderline anti-vaccines) but I don't want to break the bank paying for a bunch of titers, either. Add that to the cost of nursing school, I guess. :rolleyes:

szeles23 · Jul 14, 2011

You will need a measles, mumps, and rubella titer (MMR) along with a varicella titer (chicken pox). Basically how it works is they take a sample of blood and look for a certain antibody. If the antibody exists then you have either been vaccinated or have had the disease and you are immune to it now. Titers are good for a long time. My school let me turn in the ones I had done last year, when I got into a different nursing school and then had to move Anyway hopefully an urgent care or health dept will help you without costing an arm and a leg.

cyntrim · Jul 14, 2011

I would call your insurance first before assuming that they would pay. I would hate for you to believe that they were going to pay and then a month later get an explanation of benefits that states it is not a covered benefit. When I went to the health department I did not have to give an annual salary I just had to say that I was under insured for immunizations. Just an FYI when I look online at coverage positions for immunizations my company states "Many benefit plans specifically exclude immunizations that are for the purpose of travel or to protect against occupational hazards and risks. For any benefit exclusion, coverage will not be provided even if the medical necessity criteria described below are met. Please refer to the applicable benefit plan document to determine benefit availability and the terms and conditions of coverage. " and my insurance would not cover immunizations for what was need for RN school.

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Jul 15, 2011

Thank you sooo much for all the replies; it is very much appreciated! I'll definitely do research before I get anything done.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Jul 15, 2011

I would guess that for all the titers, you can expect to pay a combined cost of about $200 dollars. Maybe less if it is covered by insurance. Maybe more depending on where you go.

Check Wal-Mart clinic and see if they can do titers. Sometimes Wal-mart services are offered at a lower cost. I've gotten a TB test done there for $25. It was $45 at our health department. Thank goodness I work for a place where they are free. I don't think your small pox shot scar will count as proof you have been vaccinated. But you don't need to prove that you are immune to small pox. It also is possible for some titers to become negative after a good length of time, so it's possible you might need another course of shots if this is the case for you. Just be prepared for that.

If you think that your positive TB test was inaccurate, get another one done. If it's negative then you might not need to continue with the x-rays. Most hospitals and maybe even schools will require a yearly x-ray if you are employed there.

Not only are titers and immunizations required for school, they are also likely to be required for all hospitals that you want to apply to. Many have even made or are moving toward making the Influenza vaccine mandatory. There are hundreds of threads debating the importance of nurses being immunized. Look them up if you are interested.

futurenurseya33 · Jul 15, 2011

You could always wait until you're accepted and they'll tell you what you'll need. I used http://www.privatemdlabs.com and they had very reasonable rates for titers. I only need varicella and the MMR titer.

iwanna · Jul 15, 2011

I could not locate my immunization records when I went for a refresher course. So, I got immunized, again. Then found out that my OB dr. that delivered my children would have it on record. Then a month later found my immunization book. Geez! Looking for icon where I am smacking my head.lol