How do you go about getting titers checked?

[wednesday]

Can my family doctor do it? I am looking into doing an internship for lactation consulting at a hospital and they require vaxes. I had a DT within the last ten years and have evidence for that. I could dig up evidence for MMR if I had to, I got it in high school. I think the hospital also requires HepB. Now that shot I never got and that isn't something a person would commonly already have immunity to, would they? Is it worth checking anyway? What do other people in the medical field do if they wish to decline vaxes?

[~member~]

Titers: Our family practitioner had ours done.

What do other people in the medical field do if they wish to decline vaxes?

They sign the waiver/religious exemption.

[wednesday]

How do you find out if such an exemption is available, without tipping your hand so to speak. I am familiar with the religious exemption for school as my son has one, but is a private employer obligated to accept an exemption?

[junomama]

Originally Posted by wednesday

How do you find out if such an exemption is available, without tipping your hand so to speak. I am familiar with the religious exemption for school as my son has one, but is a private employer obligated to accept an exemption?

Exemption laws are state-by-state. This might be a good start:
http://www.immunizenc.com/NCRulesandLaws.htm

[wednesday]

That website does not address employers at all. Only the requirements and exemptions for daycare/school/college.

My question is specifically about hospitals and what they can require of employees/interns.

I am getting the impression that if a private employer says they require XYZ vaccinations in order to work there, a religious exemption to the state's immunization requirements is meaningless.

[junomama]

Originally Posted by wednesday

That website does not address employers at all. Only the requirements and exemptions for daycare/school/college.

My question is specifically about hospitals and what they can require of employees/interns.

I am getting the impression that if a private employer says they require XYZ vaccinations in order to work there, a religious exemption to the state's immunization requirements is meaningless.

Sorry if that wasn't helpful. I just did a Google search to find out your state laws. I'm pretty new here and have no idea how to answer your question, but maybe one of the more knowledgeable members of the board can help. Or you could make a call to some of your area hospitals and ask them.

[mamanicki]

Any lab can draw the blood to check for titers. We had our daughter checked when we returend from adopting her as is typical in International Adoptions.

Also you never know when or if you were exposed to Hep B. I was exposed at some point and developed full immunity. I wouldn't have known had I not had my titers checked.

[wednesday]

Maybe I will just go ahead and get my titers checked then. You never know. If it comes down to it I think I will accept the vax if that's what it takes to do the internship. It's really my dream to do this. I'm pretty freaked out about getting the vax though.

[LongIsland]

If you do not want to vax, you would submit a letter stating:

The practice of immunization is contrary to my religious beliefs.

[ftmomma]

After all the reading I have done on Pertussis, I think I came down with it about 3 years ago. My MIL both came down with that horrible 5 week cough. I rarely have been sick but that was like nothing I had ever experienced....I survived though, it was just annoying because it lingered so long.

Anyway, if I had my titers checked, it would be possible to check for pertussis, right? I believe once you have it is is supposed to mean you have have acquired immunity...is that correct? Also, since then I have had a son and he was breastfed as well, could I have passed on immunity to pertussis?