Recency Requirement for Titers

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Nov 10, 2014

Yes. Titers are results of a blood draw that indicates if you have specific immunities (based on the antibody level against a certain disease). And yours are recent; they don't expire but sometimes very old ones *might* indicate repeating. Yours are not old :)

Typically, schools want to see immunity against Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (aka German Measles) as well as Hepatitis B. They often ask for Varicella as well (chicken pox). If you don't have a vaccination or disease history documented, titers are just fine.

If you haven't had a flu shot yet for this season....get one! And congrats on getting into nursing school

dorkypanda · Nov 10, 2014

If some were shots like mmr, hep b, shots like that you got as a kid into middle school should be fine. I think shots like tdap or something have to occur at a certain year as indicated on the immunization sheet of yours. I've got a sheet that says tdap or so must be done after 2005.

If you got a tb test done in 2011 I think you may have to so redo that since it's not current.

chendricks92 · Nov 10, 2014

Thank you, you're response was super helpful! Yes, we have MMR, hep B, and varicella requirements. I got my flu shot and everything else done, just wondering about these titers...Thanks again!!

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Nov 11, 2014

You're welcome. Nursing school, and preparing to start it, is stressful enough without having stuff like this hanging over your head. You're smart to get it all done asap :)

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Nov 11, 2014

....If some were shots like mmr, hep b, shots like that you got as a kid into middle school should be fine....
If you got a tb test done in 2011 I think you may have to so redo that since it's not current.

Regardless of when the vaccinations were given, a month ago or forty years ago, if someone has the titers to prove immunity, it's all good.

You can expect a PPD (tuberculin skin test) to be done at least annually. It is never considered current if it exceeds 12 months. However, the OP was asking about titers, so.....his/hers are all current.

Just as an FYI about PPDs that might be helpful to those of you seeking healthcare jobs soon: it is becoming increasingly commonplace to find employers asking for TWO of them to be done within the 12 months prior to hire (and most frequently in conjunction with the pre-employment physical--and then again upon hiring/starting date). So don't be surprised :)

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Nov 12, 2014

the problem I have in dealing with students on this topic is their lack of knowledge about the purpose of titers vs. vaccines. A vaccine helps you become immune. A titer tells if you are actually immune. It is possible to have all three of the Hep B vaccination series and not convert to an immune status. Same with other vaccines. The CDC website has information on all these vaccines and titers. You sure do not want to think you are ok and then come down with a dreadful disease!

There are two types of varicella vaccines. One is for people who never had chicken pox and want to become immune. The other is for people who had chicken pox and want to prevent shingles (a version of varicella). Be sure you know what you are getting.