VCC immunizations and health screening?

[vccorscc]

anybody know anything about the immunizations that VCC nursing students need before the program starts? are they the same shots that were given in elementry and middle school??? i am currently uninsured and am worried about the cost if i have to pay out of pocket.

[valzRN, ASN, RN]

Your local health dept should be able to help you with that one. I know that you have to be current on all immunizations and completed the Hepatis B series. They recommend a flu shot, but it's not mandatory. I know that soon most adults in the healthcare field will be required to have another shot, but I can't recall the name of it. I would call VCC and ask what they require, then call your local health dept. Most places have county clinics too, so I would look that up and call them. Get some prices first though.

[braithiar]

The TDaP vaccine is also recommended for health care workers.

It cost me $59 to get most of my vaccines at the health department (Michigan); I say "most" because this price does not include the two additional Hep B shots that I need.

The pricing was:

Hep B (3 shots over 3 months) @ $35 each

TDaP @ $8

MMR @ $8

TB test (interdermal) @$8

So an initial $59 + $70 spread out over 2 more months.

Considering the Hep B shots were going to be >$300 at my PCP's office, it's pretty cheap.

-B

[FutureMaleOhioNurse, BSN, RN]

Are you in Florida? Three things: 1) Go to the VCC website and search for "nursing handbook." You will find ALL requirements needed to enter the program, including immunizations. It will also tell you what materials you need, like a stethoscope, hemostats, penlight, etc. If you can't find the handbook, simply call the nursing office there, and they should help you. 2) Go to your local health department, where you got your primary school immunizations and they should have a copy of your record in file. I'm 30 years old and they STILL had a copy of mine. 3) You already should have the MMR and TDP childhood series. You might only need the Hep B series, a tetorifice, and flu (recommended) shots. You shouldn't pay more than $25 for the shots at your local health department. My Hep B was $5. The Tb test must be interpreted by a health care professional, like a physician, NP, or PA. I had mine done at an NP's clinic and paid $25. Total = ~$50.