Pertussis Titer instead of vaccination?

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Specializes in ED, Clinical Documentation.

I was wondering if anyone has had a pertussis titer drawn before to see if the TdaP was even necessary. I know more facilities are requiring the pertussis vaccination. We can submit titers for Hep B, MMR, and Varicella, but why not pertussis? If you have done it and paid for it out of pocket, how much did it cost? Thanks for any insight you have!

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CDC recommends that adults 19 to 64 get a Tdap booster, especially when working in the healthcare profession. According to this information sheet, immunity from the childhood pertussis immunization wears off, leaving adults exposed to Pertussis.

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Specializes in ED, Clinical Documentation.

Thanks - I heard the same about the immunization wearing off, but doesn't it make sense to check for immunity first before getting a vaccine?

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I don't see why a request to draw a titer would be refused. If you're immune, you're immune. Don't forget, though that the Tdap includes diphtheria and tetorifice. You may be due for a booster.

Your employer could ask that you cover the cost, however.

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I'm actually glad you posted this... I have to have a TB test this week, and I meant to ask if I could schedule a Tdap at the same time. Entirely forgot until just now. :p

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Specializes in ED, Clinical Documentation.

I agree. However, I'm a traveler and this is my experience: I was offered and accepted a 13 week assignment earlier this year and the details for starting the assignment were being worked out when I found out they required the TdaP within the past year (I think it was year, can't remember exactly). At that time I was not comfortable with receiving yet another vaccine. I asked if a titer would be acceptable and the agency said no. This conversation went on for a couple of days and went up a couple of levels of the chain of command. Ultimately I felt enormous pressure to get the shot and I decided if I wanted to get it it would be if I wanted it not because a three month assignment depended on it. Now I'm seeing that more hospitals are requiring and so I am pursing the issue more.

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Specializes in ED, Clinical Documentation.

and I don't mind covering the cost of the titer!

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Specializes in MS, LTC, Post Op.

Due to a horrible family/person history of vaccination reactions, I am opting out until it's mandatory. I have had titers drawn for everything. Thankfully, I still carry my immunity.

Most cases I have encounters, when I tell them my history and my family history, they are pretty good about not pushing the issue with me.

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I agree. However, I'm a traveler and this is my experience: I was offered and accepted a 13 week assignment earlier this year and the details for starting the assignment were being worked out when I found out they required the TdaP within the past year (I think it was year, can't remember exactly). At that time I was not comfortable with receiving yet another vaccine. I asked if a titer would be acceptable and the agency said no. This conversation went on for a couple of days and went up a couple of levels of the chain of command. Ultimately I felt enormous pressure to get the shot and I decided if I wanted to get it it would be if I wanted it not because a three month assignment depended on it. Now I'm seeing that more hospitals are requiring and so I am pursing the issue more.

If they are requiring this within the past year, that means you need one every year to work for them? That's crazy!

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I don't see why you can't get the titer done. As far as cost, couldn't tell you for sure. My varicella titer was $99, but I don't have health insurance.

I can totally understand not wanting to get the vaccine, as far as reactions go. My arm was sore for 2 weeks, I could barely move it.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Thanks - I heard the same about the immunization wearing off, but doesn't it make sense to check for immunity first before getting a vaccine?

NO, what ever immunity you do have will wear off and you will need a booster somewhere down the line. As a healthcare worker you are in a high risk profession. For hospitals to make titers standard is WAY TOO expensive. YOu can pay to have the lab done and prove your immunity but the hospital doesn't have to accept the immunity... per se. Whooping cough is making a resurgence in the US big time.....especially in transient immigrant population with rising numbers in middle America and parent s afraid to immunize their children due to fears of autism and side effects and becomming a huge problem once again.....

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Specializes in LPN, Peds, Public Health.

A sore arm for 2 weeks?? I'd much rather have a little soreness than risk spreading pertussis to an unvaccinated baby...

Personally, I had the vaccine and was not even sore. Not a bit. The shot itself didnt even hurt. I give this vaccine on a regular basis and no one complains of soreness for 2 weeks.

All in all... why not get the vaccine??

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