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Immunizations for nurses



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Aug 27, 2007 04:58 PM

Immunizations for nurses

by Epona

Hi all. Quick question. I got my last in the three for the Hep. B shots today. How long does this immunization last for? When do I need to get another?? What about other's like MMR, etc.? I am in my second semester at RN school.

Thanks and hope you all are enjoying your summer!! Epona

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14 Comments
No. 1
from Tweety
Old Aug 27, 2007, 05:12 PM

Default Re: Immunizations for nurses
The Hep. B is once, and I believe the MMR is as well.
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No. 2
from Epona
Old Aug 27, 2007, 05:29 PM

Piggy Bank Re: Immunizations for nurses
Thanks Tweety. There was a young lady assisting the nurse today who gave me my last Hep. shot. She said it lasted for 5 years, but I wanted to double check with you all on that. YAHOO! I am glad I will never have to get it again!! It made me a bit jittery today. Glad the Hep. B shots are over with!!

Thanks again! Epona
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No. 3
from Emmanuel Goldstein
Old Aug 27, 2007, 05:34 PM

Default Re: Immunizations for nurses
You can ask your doc about checking a titer in a few months to make sure you responded to the vaccine.
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No. 4
from Tweety
Old Aug 27, 2007, 05:35 PM

Default Re: Immunizations for nurses
I tested immune after a needle stick last year a full 16 years after my vac.
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No. 5
from Emmanuel Goldstein
Old Aug 27, 2007, 05:39 PM

Default Re: Immunizations for nurses
Originally Posted by Epona View Post
Thanks Tweety. There was a young lady assisting the nurse today who gave me my last Hep. shot. She said it lasted for 5 years, but I wanted to double check with you all on that.
One of the hospitals I worked for last year required a titer if it had been over five years since receiving the vaccine. Perhaps that is what she was referring to?

From the CDC:

Booster Doses
  • Current data show that vaccine-induced hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) levels may decline over time; however, immune memory (anamnestic anti-HBs response) remains intact indefinitely following immunization. Persons with declining antibody levels are still protected against clinical illness and chronic disease.
  • For health care workers with normal immune status who have demonstrated an anti-HBs response following vaccination, booster doses of vaccine are not recommended nor is periodic anti-HBs testing.
Post-vaccination Testing
  • After routine vaccination of infants, children, adolescents, or adults post-vaccination testing for adequate antibody response is not necessary.
  • Post-vaccination testing IS recommended for persons whose medical management will depend on knowledge of their immune status.
This includes persons who:
  • are immunocompromised (e.g., hemodialysis patients)
  • received the vaccine in the buttock
  • are infants born to HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen)-positive mothers
  • are healthcare workers who have contact with blood
  • are sex partners of persons with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
  • Post-vaccination testing should be completed 1-2 months after the third vaccine dose for results to be meaningful. A protective antibody response is 10 or more milliinternational units (>=10mIU/mL).
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/b/factvax.htm
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No. 6
from Emmanuel Goldstein
Old Aug 27, 2007, 05:40 PM

Default Re: Immunizations for nurses
Originally Posted by Tweety View Post
I tested immune after a needle stick last year a full 16 years after my vac.
I did too; some hospitals require a titer though.
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No. 7
from Tweety
Old Aug 27, 2007, 05:41 PM

Default Re: Immunizations for nurses
From the CDC's website, a quite reputable source: For health care workers with normal immune status who have demonstrated an anti-HBs response following vaccination, booster doses of vaccine are not recommended nor is periodic anti-HBs testing http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/h.../b/factvax.htm
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No. 8
from Tweety
Old Aug 27, 2007, 05:44 PM

Default Re: Immunizations for nurses
Originally Posted by Emmanuel Goldstein View Post
I did too; some hospitals require a titer though.
True and it's not a bad idea. My point was that the shot wasn't necessary in five year increments and the poster was given false information.

Great minds think alike, love the CDC link.
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No. 9
from Emmanuel Goldstein
Old Aug 27, 2007, 06:04 PM

Default Re: Immunizations for nurses
Originally Posted by Tweety View Post
True and it's not a bad idea. My point was that the shot wasn't necessary in five year increments and the poster was given false information.

Great minds think alike, love the CDC link.


Indeed.

I don't know what that 'five year' thing was all about... perhaps they were referring to other vaccines? Tetanus maybe (although that is 10 years without injury, I think, 5 with an exposure)?

On almost every assignment, I've had to have some sort of weird blood titers or vaccines done. Before I started this one, I was required to take a diptheria vaccine (even though I'd been vaccinated as a child). WTH?
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