Immunizations

LaceyRN · Mar 13, 2007

This may sound funny, but have you thought of asking your parents? Seriously, I am 35 and my mom still had a copy of my original shot records.

Another option is to contact the health office of your former colleges. Usually they will have your proof of immunizations on file.

Good Luck!

IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Mar 13, 2007

I would start with mom and dad.

Then I would ask who the ped was and go there.

Then I would just go to the family doc and get the shots.

I do think it's crap they don't accept titers. I find it even crappier that they require immunizations from an adult.

Jme2007 · Mar 13, 2007

Also, if you cant find any proof that you had them done, just get the lab titers done to see what antibodies you carry and show them the results. You may need another booster of any one of them but then you may not.

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Mar 13, 2007

I would start with mom and dad.
Then I would ask who the ped was and go there.
Then I would just go to the family doc and get the shots.
I do think it's crap they don't accept titers. I find it even crappier that they require immunizations from an adult.

I agree about the titers.But why should adults not get immunized? They can still get sick and pass it on to clients/patients. I am however in favor of medical personal getting immunized, including the flu shot. If one of my parents had an immunalogical disease as was in the hospital and his or her nurse did not get a flu shot, they could pass it on to my family member simlpy because their immune system is down. I am thinking like neutropenia; where reverse isolation is already required.

IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Mar 13, 2007

I agree about the titers.But why should adults not get immunized? They can still get sick and pass it on to clients/patients. I am however in favor of medical personal getting immunized, including the flu shot. If one of my parents had an immunalogical disease as was in the hospital and his or her nurse did not get a flu shot, they could pass it on to my family member simlpy because their immune system is down. I am thinking like neutropenia; where reverse isolation is already required.

I'm a supported of 100% freedom of choice with vaccines. I have friends who don't vaccinate and friends that do. I know some areas want to or have tried to completely take away the choice. If somebody has the flu they should not be at work. If somebody got a flu vaccine it doesn't mean they won't get the flu. So the idea of the vaccine preventing a patient from getting the flu from a care provider isn't a huge concern if the care provider did the right thing and stayed home.

I had strep throat in December and I was allowed on the floor but they just made sure I didn't have a patient with immune system issue.

There are so many things that can be brought into the hospital that don't have vaccines...it's just important for care providers to do the right thing.

I just basically think that vaccines should be a choice....but for the most part they aren't. So just to cut it off before it happens...the likelihood of total freedom of choice with vaccines will not happen so there's no reason to debate as those who support it already won and trying to change my mind is pointless. I support those who want to vaccinate and those who don't.

caliotter3 · Mar 13, 2007

My school accepted blood titer for chickenpox. When I could not locate my immunization records, I was forced to get revaccinated at my own expense. It was either that, or no school.

Melina · Mar 13, 2007

How can they not accept titers? Seems to me that would be *more* accurate. A childhood vaccination may not still be effective; looking for the antibody evidence is proof, isn't it? I feel for the OP, though. My mom is not the sentimental type, and so I'll end up getting some of my shots redone. Luckily, my insurance will cover it, because there is no record of my having them done before. Which was the problem in the first place, right? :rolleyes:

~Mel'

IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Mar 13, 2007

How can they not accept titers? Seems to me that would be *more* accurate. A childhood vaccination may not still be effective; looking for the antibody evidence is proof, isn't it? I feel for the OP, though. My mom is not the sentimental type, and so I'll end up getting some of my shots redone. Luckily, my insurance will cover it, because there is no record of my having them done before. Which was the problem in the first place, right?

You are very right though titers aren't always accurate either.

I had chicken pox as a child and my titer turned up negative so I got the immunization.

I didn't have MMR (any of the 3) as a child. I also did not have a full round of vaccines. I'm immune.

My mom had titers drawn for chicken pox. Came back negative. She had them drawn again. Came back positive.

I personally would rather see titers though. Shots mean nothing.

Melina · Mar 13, 2007

I can see how one could come up with a false negative, but a positive is a positive. It isn't the craziest thing I have heard schools require.

~Mel'

CTstudent · Mar 13, 2007

Go to your high school and get a copy of your medical records.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2007

I'll be 38 in April..my peditrician died years ago, records destroyed years ago and my mother is pretty much useless with things like that.

I got my immunization record from the High School I attended. I graduated 20 yrs ago this year and they still have my records/transcripts.

Even with records, I still had to have titers drawn for certain things if they were given before a certain year, etc.

Give your high school a call and see if they keep records from that far back..couldn't hurt.