Anyone working nurse labeled a Non-Responder with vaccines?

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I just recently got accepted to a nursing program and will be a student starting spring 2016.

While going through my routine tests (all the Titers) , I found out that I am a non-responder to the vaccinations that are required in nursing school. ( Basically I don't respond to any vaccinations and don't have immunity) The school said it wouldn't be a problem while I am in school, but I am wondering if I will have issues getting employed out of nursing school due to the condition I have.

Is there anyone out there also a non-responder to vaccinations that is currently working in the field? I know with all the regulations out there, there may be a problem.

Any real time advice on how to handle this situation?

Thank you~~

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Specializes in LTC.

I don't titer, ever. I am employable with vaccination records. I have had the Hep series so many times now it's ridiculous. I keep my vaccine records and give them to new employers now. No big deal. Most people who don't titer actually do have immunity, they just don't titer for some reason (I researched it once but forget the specifics).

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Wow, so if your able to show that you have had the vaccinations then I guess its not hard to get employed? I was just so worried because I haven't heard or read of this situation. I thought I was really unique.... Is that true for just the Hep? Or for all required Titers...like MMR, Varicella, etc...

I don't titer for all....

Thanks for your post!

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Specializes in ER.

Well, when I had the hep B titer they told me that it showed me as not immune but if I was exposed the immune system would kick in and start making antibodies again. I had to get the MMR again but I had a titer drawn shortly after so it showed me as immune. I use ancient titers to get around it.

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*raises hand*

I've had the Hep B series 2x, plus a booster and I'm still not "immune"

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Specializes in ED, School Nurse.

I found out I was not immune to Hep B when I applied to nursing school. I had to get a titer drawn because I lost my immunization paperwork. They were not going to let me in to nursing school because of it, but my immunity kicked in after I started the Hep B series again.

The last hospital I worked in drew titers on everything upon hiring, and I found out I am not immune to measles. I've had a booster since then and my immunity still hasn't kicked in via titer. It did not affect my employment.

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Thank you...really good to know that you can still get hired.... :sarcastic:

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Specializes in Public Health.

I've never had to prove immunity, just that I was vaccinated.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Wow, so if your able to show that you have had the vaccinations then I guess its not hard to get employed? I was just so worried because I haven't heard or read of this situation. I thought I was really unique.... Is that true for just the Hep? Or for all required Titers...like MMR, Varicella, etc...

I don't titer for all....

Thanks for your post!

I don't respond to the MMR. My one employer had me get the vac. twice because they just didn't believe the results. When they saw a negative titer a second time, they stopped questioning it.

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I have had the Hep B series 3 times and shows no immunity. My last employer gave me a form showing my attempts at vaccination and titer results - hopefully any future employers requiring documentation will accept it. I think the worse case scenario is that the employer makes you go thru the vaccination series again and does the titers just so they have something on file.

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Hello ev1,

I was supposed to rank last October, unfortunately I tested neg for hep b. I just did my second twinrix and I'm I'm still neg. I am getting a booster Monday as a last ditch effort. With hopes of ranking in June

I need pure honesty. Will I even be accepted into the nursing program?

Thank you for your time and all you do!

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Specializes in medsurg, progressive care.

I've had enough vaccines to cover like 3 normal people. Chicken pox 3 times, MMR I think 4, hep series a few times... nothing sticks. My nursing school made me do the entire series over. My first and current RN jobs accepted vaccination records. My per diem made me do the whole round of vaccinations again and then made faced at me when my titers were still negative, but sill hired me.

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