Vaccine question - OT but you guys know EVERYTHING

[msmama]

So I'm back in grad school after more than a decade. But in order to register (even though I'm ONLY taking classes online) I have to show my immunization record, specifically MMR.

Well, my pedi died years ago (he was ancient when I was a kid) so I have NO IDEA where those records would be. I doubt my undergrad university would still have my records, but that might be worth a shot.

I've only been seeing my current doc for a year or two. Where else could I find proof of immunization?

(Oddly enough my Mom does have records in my baby book, but I don't think that's what they're looking for).

Any help from you smart folks would be appreciated.

 

[GinnyEmma]

Wow, stupid requirement! I don't know the answer, but want to wish you well!

 

[mrudman]

In my case, anything I've given them has always been sufficient.

Our pedi handed out a yellow card at birth, and my mom just filled in the dates on it (in fact, I've done them same thing with dd's).. and those dates are all I've ever needed as proof that I've been immunized.

I don't see how most people could get a more 'official' record of them anyway.

So, I'd look in your baby book, and if your mom has written down the date of your MMR shots, just give those to the college.

 

[Ephany]

My records were lost before everything was put into digital. Some shots weren't required because I was born in the 70s. For everything else, I was directed to a local lab and had titers done. They were able to show that I'd already had the disease (like chicken pox) or that I had been immunized as a child against others. I still had to get my yearly TB test and I believe tetnus and hepatitis though.

You can also check the health department in the county you were raised, they may have copies.

 

[crisi]

Your state health department may keep them.

Google Immunization Records with your state name.

 

[mickeygaga]

You could get titers that are costly from your dr. or just go ahead and get new shots from your health dept. I hope you find the answer you need!

 

[Minniemouse07]

If you can't find anything...you could always get your titers checked.

Basically your doctor would draw blood and they will check it to see if you carry the antibodies to measles, mumps and rubella.

Much less invasive than getting a shot and you skip the chance of reacting to it as well!

 

[ancestry]

Just get your levels checked with a blood test (titers). This is what most adult students do since they usually have long lost their childhood immunization records.

If you titers are low then you have to get the shot over again but if they are okay the school will accept the titers lab report as proof of immunization.

 

[ccgirl]

My records were lost before everything was put into digital. Some shots weren't required because I was born in the 70s. For everything else, I was directed to a local lab and had titers done. They were able to show that I'd already had the disease (like chicken pox) or that I had been immunized as a child against others. I still had to get my yearly TB test and I believe tetnus and hepatitis though.

You can also check the health department in the county you were raised, they may have copies.

This. I actually had to have a booster of the MMR as it found I was no longer immune.

 

[DVCLiz]

Wow, stupid requirement! I don't know the answer, but want to wish you well!

It's not a stupid requirement at all, in my opinion.

 

[Minniemouse07]

It's not a stupid requirement at all, in my opinion.

Actually it is if the OP is only an online student.

One thing to require it of students living in close quarters (dorms, etc) totally another to extend the requirement to those that don't enter campus.

 

[Sadie22]

I would highly recommend that anyone have titers done if they do not have their immunization records. Even having the records is no indication of immunity. Some people do not complete the full course of some shots, etc.

DS needed to have a blood test done to confirm whether or not he needed to get a vaccination against chicken pox. It was no big deal and covered by insurance.

Online-only students might be granted some sort of waiver if it is requested. However, OP, you never know when you might need these records for some other purpose, so I recommend you see your doctor and make sure of your status.

 

[3mickeymom]

to me since I hadn't received immunizations since the 70's/early 80's. I didn't have any done but I think MMR was one that he recommended. The health department should have info for you. Good Luck.

 

[SDSorority]

You know what you might want to do? Call the registrar's office of your school. Tell them the situation. I work at a college surfweb:... I'm here now ) and you'd be amazed at how "rules" can be bent and broken.....

 

[GinnyEmma]

It's not a stupid requirement at all, in my opinion.

They have no one to protect for online classes. It is personal business.

 

[disneychrista]

Your state health department may keep them.

This is what I was going to say. Check with your local health department, they should have them (if you lived there when you go immunized). If not check the health department of where you lived when you were immunized.

 

[msmama]

Thanks for all the suggestions!!

I have a call into my doc to get titres done - thought about going to a walk in clinic but I called first and she didn't think they'd do them. Seems as if it'll be a crap shoot with the health dept in PA (I live in NY now) and I think I'd have to do any requests in writing.

Apparently they waive the records (for online students) for one semester, but then after that you have to do it. Would've been nice if I had known beforehand that it wasn't going to be waived forever.

Registration starts today which is why I'm in a panic. I guess I just have to hope my classes don't fill before I can get this taken care of (or call again and hope to have the rules bent a bit).

 

[MomToOne]

If you want the titres done, they often have to send those to an outside lab. It takes time to get the results back.

Just getting a new shot will probably be quicker - and cheaper. Ask your doctor when they call back about the cost and timeline on the titres vs. the cost of a new shot.

 

[Hannathy]

If you want the titres done, they often have to send those to an outside lab. It takes time to get the results back.

Just getting a new shot will probably be quicker - and cheaper. Ask your doctor when they call back about the cost and timeline on the titres vs. the cost of a new shot.

I agree !

If you are worried about classes filling up I would go get the shot done today, so I could register. Most likely you will need a booster in at least the measles, why futz around waiting on titers and then still need the shot. meanwhile missing out on the class you want and having to get stuck more times.

 

[girlsn980103]

I am starting nursing school and had to have all of my immunization records. I called my high school and they still have copies of all records. I graduated from HS in 1990 and they still had mine. It might be worth it to call and check.
Good luck!

mb