How to Determine Which Vaccinations You Actually Need
Posted: Apr 10th, 2018 at 04:30PM
Although there are a number of vaccinations available on the market for disease control and prevention, you may not necessarily need all of them. There are several factors that determine which vaccinations you need, including your virus and disease history and your current immunity levels. One way to determine your immunity levels is through a titer test.
The immune status of a person can be determined by two methods. Active Immunity is the result of a person's own immune system producing antibodies, in response to an infection or a vaccination. Passive immunity is usually the result of a transfer from one person to another, such as that of a mother to an infant of through immune globulin. A titer is a blood test that checks your immunity to several viruses and diseases. e7 Health provides titers and vaccinations for many diseases and viruses, including rabies, MMR, chickenpox (varicella), and hepatitis B and A.
For MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), many schools and universities require proof of vaccination because these viruses are highly contagious. Getting an MMR titer may be beneficial for those who have never been infected by MMR and will identify the need for a vaccination. The chances of contracting MMR are lower in those who have already had any or all of these infections.
MMR is most commonly contracted by those traveling frequently overseas and those working in the medical field.
Hepatitis B is a serious disease that affects the liver. It's contracted through contact with contaminated body fluids, such as blood and any fluids exchanged during sex. Some symptoms of hep B are dark urine, abdominal pain, nausea, and reduced appetite. Hep B titers are used to analyze the number of antibodies that exist in the system to fight and prevent virus and disease.
If left untreated, hep B can result in serious health complications and eventually death.
Hepatitis A is inflammation of the liver. The symptoms include light-colored stool, fatigue, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms. It's usually caused by consuming contaminated water or food but can also be transmitted through close bodily contact with an infected individual. Oftentimes, hep A can be easily treated if detected early and in many cases, the body cures itself of hep A on its own in a matter of weeks.
Both hep B and A can be prevented with vaccinations and safe health practices. Even if you are not prone to hepatitis, a titer will let you know if you need to get a hepatitis vaccine. Additionally, if you travel often to underdeveloped countries or plan to travel to one in the near future, it would be a good idea to get vaccinated. Some other factors that may increase the risk of contracting hepatitis include working in healthcare, being HIV positive, and having any condition that causes a weak immune system.
Blood titer test results are typically available within one week of having blood drawn. If your titers are positive, you may have already been exposed to that disease or may have received the vaccine in the past. If, however, your titer results are negative, you may have to get the vaccinations your school or work requires.
e7 Health is one of the most reputable places for blood titers and vaccines. It's supervised and operated by Board-certified doctors and clinicians and provides comprehensive vaccination services including all vaccines available in the US for work, school, travel, and general health. In addition, we offer an array of other preventative health services such as complete laboratory testing, TB skin testing, drug testing, physicals, and comprehensive employee health services to companies.
We offer all vaccines for work, school, travel, and general health. While there is generally no harm in getting re-vaccinated, the blood titer is more cost-effective. We have the lowest prices available, often more than 50% to 60% off the price charged at major laboratories.
Come in and get a titer for:
- MMR
- Varicella
- Rabies
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A
And more!
Typically, to have your blood titers measured, you are required to see a physician for a prescription and then subsequently go to an outside lab to draw your blood. At e7 Health, we provide you with the prescription and draw your blood all in the same location. We accept appointments and often, there is minimal or no waiting, even for walk-ins.
E7 staff are very professional & friendly! I had an appointment & didn’t have to wait. The appointment (blood draw) took less than 10...
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