Proof of Immunizations

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I was just informed the other day that in order to send in my application for nursing classes that I had to get records of my immunizations; mumps, measles, rubella and Hep B. Ok I can understand this but where in the world would I get these records from? Its been over 25 yrs since my immunizations...Did anyone else have to send this proof in with their application?:

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try the public health department in the county you gre up in

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Specializes in ER.

The easiest thing to do, if you have decent insurance, is just get titers done. We were required to get titers done ANYWAY, even though I had my childhood immunization records in my hot little hand.:rolleyes:

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I had already thought of that and asked my mother where to find them and she couldnt remember the area we were in at that time..we moved around alot due to her job..Would it be possible that my High School might have a copy of them?

Stacey

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its possible. High schools in Missouri hold on the records for 10 years I think... not sure if they would have all of them, but they should atleast give you a place to start...

hey, plus they may have transcripts from your previous schools to help you know what you were at that time since mom cant remember

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The easiest thing to do is just get your titers done. Then, if you are missing anything (immunity does wear off - I had to have another MMR for nursing school because my titers said that I did not have the antibodies for rubella), you can get the shot at the same time as your results. The immunizations for HepB also wear off over time for some people, and you would definitely want to know that if you are going into nursing! It is so much easier to contract Hep than it is to contract HIV and you will be exposed on a regular basis.

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What the heck is titers? Im just starting this nursing adventure and not sure what this means?

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Titers - simple explanation - go to your doc, they'll order some blood drawn - the blood will checked for specific antibodies - measles, mumps, rubella, variscella, hepatitis, etc. If the antibodies are present, then you have immunity - if they aren't present then you either missed the immunization altogether, or your immunity has worn off. The lab will print out the results, get a copy for your school and get the shots that you need (for whatever you do not have immunity to). It is probably the easiest way to meet this requirement for school - the search for your other paperwork may take forever and then school will probably still want the titers anyway because immunity can wear off.

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Perfect not such a big deal as I had thought thankyou for your time and explanations!

Stacey

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When I was in nursing school I was in my late 30's. I contacted my old high school. They had the records and I only had to pay $3.00 to get a copy of them.

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Titers can sometimes be more expensive than doing them over. Check.

I went to the Public Health Nurse in my community. Because it was for school she gave me my immunizations for free.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
Originally posted by luvbbs

Perfect not such a big deal as I had thought...

As suggested above, some folks have ended up having to pay a significant amount of moola for the titers / vacs. Check if your insurance will cover them before going forward. Some will, some won't.

Good luck!

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