Vaccines for school

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Okay I've been trying to find other similar topics on this, but can only seem to find posts about anti-vaxxers trying to get into nursing school. My school needs proof of the DPT primary series. My dad's family has a history of having a severe allergic reaction to the pertussis vaccine, so as a kid, I only received the DT series. My vaccination records were rejected by Castlebranch because of this. Obviously I'm going to contact the school about it in the morning, but I'd like input from others. Is this cause me issues in the future during clinicals, like in OB? Has anyone else had a similar situation?

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A girl in my nursing program wasn't able to get certain vaccines for a history of Guillain Barre syndrome; she was just required to have a doctor's note explaining why the vaccines were medically contraindicated.

In many hospitals, staff who are unable (for medical reasons) or unwilling to get a flu shot during flu season are required to wear a mask. Since pertussis is spread by droplets, I guess it's possible that some clinical sites could require you to wear a mask.

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Specializes in Public Health, TB.

Pertussis vaccine changed in 1991 from whole cell to acellular vaccine. The whole cell vaccine gave better, longer immunity but was associated with more side effects. Chances are your family had a reaction to the whole cell vaccine. That being said, there is no indication for holding a vaccine because of an allergy in a relative. And if this is your first pertussis vaccine, you will not have an allergic reaction with the initial dose.

But as a previous poster stated, a medical exemption signed by a health care professional should exempt you from vaccination. Or, they may recommend you to an allergist and receive the vaccine in a more controlled environment.

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They aren't going to let you use a family history to get out of it. Your Dad's reaction is not your reaction.

You also have to understand school is not employment. The school cannot legally require you to get any vaccine that isn't required for all students, but a clinical site can reject you as a student in their facility if you don't meet the requirements they have for their employees.

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Thank you for the info! I feel so dumb for being concerned about a reaction now. I looked at my immunization records again and realized I received the Tdap when I needed a tetorifice shot for a job as a freshman in college. I didn't realize they both contained the pertussis vaccine! I have another question! I feel like this is dumb, but are the DTP and Tdap the same thing? My school requires the DTP primary series and Tdap. Why would they need both if it's the same?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Thank you for the info! I feel so dumb for being concerned about a reaction now. I looked at my immunization records again and realized I received the Tdap when I needed a tetorifice shot for a job as a freshman in college. I didn't realize they both contained the pertussis vaccine! I have another question! I feel like this is dumb, but are the DTP and Tdap the same thing? My school requires the DTP primary series and Tdap. Why would they need both if it's the same?

DTaP is a childhood vaccine only given until age 6

TDaP is a booster given at age 11 or older

TD is what is given every 10 years/5 if potential exposure

DTP isn't used in the US any longer.

https://www.mcir.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Compare_DTaP_Td_Tdap.pdf

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Just a little tidbit, I'm in California and at most hospitals they won't even allow you to volunteer unless you have gotten the TDAP or can produce a titer result (along w/ a bunch of other vaccinations). I'd imagine most places where you go for clinicals are going to demand this as well. Good thing you've already had it done and can produce proof!

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Specializes in Public Health, TB.
Just a little tidbit, I'm in California and at most hospitals they won't even allow you to volunteer unless you have gotten the TDAP or can produce a titer result (along w/ a bunch of other vaccinations). I'd imagine most places where you go for clinicals are going to demand this as well. Good thing you've already had it done and can produce proof!

I am curious which titer they are requiring? Pertussis protection is known to wane in about 2 years, so if one received this at age 11, you will still meet requirements even though the titer may be low. It is not recommended to be repeated in adults except for expectant women.

If I have to pay for it, I would just get the shot; way cheaper than titers. But, I have no known contraindication for any immunization.

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Specializes in Trauma RN.

At my school, which is in Texas (if that matters) will not let you go to clinicals and then you'll eventually be withdrawn from classes without the required vaccinations or titers. Which makes sense. Just search "infant with whooping cough" on youtube and you'll see one of the many, many reasons why the pertussis vaccine and booster are so important. And that's not even including the other required vaccines and what could be transmitted without them. They also won't accept medical or religious reasons for not having the required vaccinations.

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