Vaccinations & Titers for Myself
Vaccines & titers for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, flu, & more
WHY YOU NEED PROOF OF IMMUNITY
When starting a new job, enrolling at a new school, or engaging in a new volunteer opportunity, you probably have been asked to provide them proof of immunity. Proof of immunity documents you are immune to certain communicable diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and influenza. Without immunity to viruses like these, the likelihood of catching and transmitting highly contagious illnesses increases. This puts everyone you associate with at risk for catching dangerous diseases. Vaccinations and titers help to reduce concerns surrounding the spread of infectious diseases.
When working with a vulnerable population like seniors or people with auto-immune deficiencies, a lack of immunity can lead to some very serious consequences. Also, this applies to people entering into large population centers like universities and bigger company campuses.
Additionally, public health organizations sometimes require proof of immunity to control the spread of communicable diseases. Organizations that must follow these requirements generally include the following:
- Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
- Home Health Agencies (LHCSA, CHHA, MLTC)
- Hospitals
- After School Programs
- Schools, Colleges, and Universities
- Workforce Development Organizations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a list of vaccinations for healthcare workers.
HOW TO PROVE IMMUNITY
Proof of Immunity
Proof of immunity document shows that you are immune to certain diseases like measles. Generally, most people have been vaccinated against viruses like measles as babies and can easily locate their vaccination records. However, others have not received all of their vaccinations, and/or can’t find proof of immunity.
Titers
In order to determine an individual’s immunity, Mobile Health always recommends a blood titer first. During a blood titer, a clinician draws a blood sample that, when analyzed, will reveal the level of antibodies present. The number of antibodies counted will determine the person’s immunity to a specific antigen (virus). If the antibody count falls below a certain number, they lack immunity. In that case, they remain at risk for contracting and spreading the disease.
Developing immunity occurs in one of two ways: by early exposure to the virus or by being vaccinated. In the case of early exposure, someone may have had the chicken pox (varicella) as a child. Consequently, their body will know how to combat the virus the next time it’s reintroduced, effectively making them immune. This can be determined by a blood titer, which will indicate the active number of antibodies.
Vaccines
The second way to develop immunity is by vaccination. A vaccine, often made from weakened or killed forms of the virus, creates immunity against specific viruses without first having the disease. If a person’s antibody count falls below a certain threshold for a particular virus, then they may need he vaccine to prove their immunity. This could mean they haven’t been vaccinated before, or their antibodies have weakened and they need an immunity boost.
YOUR TITER OR VACCINATION APPOINTMENT
The simple process of getting a vaccination or blood titer at Mobile Health begins with requesting an appointment online. Alternatively, you can call 212-695-5122.
Once Mobile Health confirms your appointment, you will receive an exam number as your confirmation. This exam number will allow our clinics to know your contact information and the services you’ve scheduled. Having this information will help expedite your visit and allow you to schedule future appointments more easily.
On the day of your appointment, we recommend you arrive as close to the time of your appointment as possible. Arriving too early or late may delay the time it takes to be seen.
After registration, one of our medical providers will call you to either have your blood drawn for a titer, or receive a vaccine injection.
Generally, Mobile Health makes your medical records available 2-3 days after your exam. You can request a copy of your medical records online, or they can be mailed to you.
COMMONLY STOCKED VACCINES
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Hepatitis
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis
- Influenza
- Pneumonia
Common Combinations
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella)
- TDaP (tetanus , diphtheria, pertussis)
- Td (tetanus , diphtheria)