I'm a junior in high school and I want to be a nurse....but I've never been vaccinated. What can I do?

[sasha91]

BEFORE YOU RESPOND: I don't need your negative comments. I asked a question, I'm asking for answers. I've looked for answers but came here as a last-ditch effort. I'm willing to get the mandatory vaccinations in order to go to nursing school and do clinicals etc. Google hasn't been awfully helpful.. if you know anything, I'd love your input. Thank you!

[Ajot88]

I was in the same boat as you! The best advice I can give is look up where you would want to go to school and get their list of required vaccines. They will have a document or list of vaccines you have to prove you've had. I started getting my vaccines when I was taking pre-reqs and now that I'm in my first nursing class, I've completed all the required vaccines. First shot - April 2018 Last shot - Oct. 2018

The program I am going to required: 2 doses MMR, 2 doses Varicella, 3 doses Hep. B, 1 dose Tdap. And then we have to be up-to-date with flu shots and get a TB test.

Unfortunately insurance didn't cover most of the cost, and it was expensive, but I also went to my Primary Care Provider. You can go to county clinics for some of the shots and they are a lot cheaper and sometimes free, depending on your income. I was over 18 when I got my shots, so I don't know what the requirements are if you're under 18. But you'll still have plenty of time if you wait until you're 18 and start getting the shots when you start pre-reqs!

Good luck!