Doctor said public health wouldn’t cover me to get another MMR shot unless a blood test showed I lacked immunity, so I thought, “why not get the test and be sure?” So the doctor sent me off to get a blood test (a.k.a. titer test).
(I knew it would probably show immunity but… I wanted to be sure)
(I knew it would probably show immunity but… I wanted to be sure)
Comments
It sounds like that part wasn't a big deal?
From NPR, Feb 25, 2025
but my wife dodged it and neither of us got rubella.
Cash prices for the titer test and the shot are about the same,
but I might have needed a doctor visit to order the test,
and Medicare covered the shot at CVS with no questions.
2. There would still be benefits for mumps protection.
https://mccormickmd.substack.com/p/measles-vaccine-considerations-during
Thanks for bringing this up.
I'm glad you checked!
Me & partner took the same tests when we couldn't produce proof of vaccination when applying for green cards - we too got vaccinated as kids, and the paperwork was lost to time.
We both found out we were no longer immune.
Amazing right?
I’ve also messaged my PCP to check this as well.
Thank you for getting the thought process started, Katie.
Is there any truth that some diseases (like measles) can reset your immune system?
If so... any chance COVID had that potential?
(I’m 71, I had measles)
If antivaxers were right, I'd glow in the dark.🤣
Seriously, though. Scary! Glad you were smart about it.
I think I'm just going to schedule a booster if they'll give it to me.
My partner asked his new doctor and they dismissed him immediately - "you got the shots as a kid, you're fine." Wouldn't check titers.
I’ve been vaxxed for MMR at least 4 times, the most recent was probably 20 years ago…I think I’m good?
My insurance is USA, so I’m not able to go get “checked out” without paying toward my $3500 deductible…
🤞🏽🤞🏿🤞
That said, when in doubt, I am told there is minimal risk of re-doing your MMR as a healthy adult.
I the US, they say if you’re not sure if you got it as a kid you just get another one, titers are expensive and take more time.
This works for people who have moved states after childhood bc we only have state immunization records, not national. For once our shit system benefitted me!
The test do have a decent false negative rate mind, but they just jab you again if you’re negative to be safe.
My doctor said that there's a time period, especially for the Gen-X crowd, where it's more like to have worn off. I think because we were only getting one dose and not two back then?
Thanks for this tidbit! Makes sense.
It takes about 2 weeks for them to get the result because it is routed via public health.
I'm guessing since I got an update (after 35 years) when my first kid was born (4 years ago) I should be good.
With our second kid almost kicking the door down, and the outbreaks, I've been wondering myself.
(For those unaware Rubella is dangerous during pregnancy and can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects. The best way to protect your baby is to get vaccinated against rubella before pregnancy)
Most important: Don't listen to your brainworm!
He wouldn't check me afterwards because there wasn't anything else they could do if it didn't work... but I was checked recently for another reason and yes I'm immune now 🥳
Guess who just got their titers back and is somehow good for measles and rubella but NOT showing an immune response against mumps? 🤦♀️
Also apparently for some of us here born from (IIRC) 1960-1984ish, we only got one dose. So good to get another.
The cost/benefit analysis was very simple for me-- as a healthy individual with no immune conditions, it was an absolute no-brainer to get a booster.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054
Next time I attend my Dr I will ask about this.
Thank you for sharing.
Thing is, most people got their shots as kids and you don't keep track of that stuff, your parents did so who knows now.
I got my MMR before they started using the live virus in 1968.
I redid my DTAP & am thinking about a couple others.
The pharmacist (who does the shots) said, "Sure, right through there, please."
I've been re-vaxxed against everything but mpox now and I feel MUCH SAFER.
Knowing what we know now I was lucky (though numbers with serious consequences are relatively low)
Not going to drive into the minute details
If it's negative I will get the vaccine
Have been checked my entire hospital career for all of them
I keep it simple
Neg = shot
- a doctor (retired)
My physicians are supposed to get guidance from the CDC.☠️
Experts demonstrate humility regarding their own knowledge and specifically predictions.
My doctor said no to authorizing the titer test, then said I didn't need the shot.
We both got the shot, now I'm looking for a new doctor that doesn't bend over for insurance companies.
I remember because the nurse asked 14yo me if I was pregnant in front of my mom. I said “I’m not pregnant but, if I was, do you think I’d tell you in front of my mom?” She was pissed but my mom was proud!
Get vaccinated. IT IS HORRENDOUS. The photophobia was awful and it left a friend deaf.
Is being infected a good bet for lifelong immunity?
I took the tact of there being no harm in a booster even if my immunity had tested immune (obvs assuming I had a titer).
Honestly, isn't this a relatively logical approach (assuming ins pays for it) - it's what we do w/tetanus?
Thus what protection the vax leaves in older adults is hard to quantify, bc the vaccine wiped out measles in less than an adult lifespan, so most aren't exposed as adults
Got it again a few weeks ago but this time I went on Valtrex and that aborted it.
Me - "I have it under good authority that viruses aren't up-to-date on my LinkedIn." (But also, my wife - who works the same org - has patient-facing staff so why risk anything?)
(Also that other countries have a real medical system, instead of the insurance-corrupted bullshit of the USA.)
But about 5 years ago I tested zero immunity for chicken pox. I got vaccinated, but it was a real pain in the arse. (too old for regular vaccine but too young for shingles vaccine)
What's the cost?
I imagine it is mostly guesswork - but you did the intelligent thing.
So far we haven’t broken any laws & Ziggy has been minimally vaxed. He’s due for a couple boosters soon, before he gets his passport.
(Also not immune to mumps anymore.)
Will inquire. Wheeeeee. Tempted to get titer testing for all the things I can while I can.
Also, glad you checked!
I mean, the vaccine isn't that expensive, I paid out of pocket for mine (needed for documentation purposes).
Just noting, it seems like an attempt at cost savings that actually backfires.
I still envy Canada.
I had a heart transplant thanks to autoimmune disease and the vaccine is live virus, so it's too dangerous.
Good news is that I did test positive for antibodies.
I still don't feel safe around my crunchy SIL and her unvaccinated motley crew.
Good point for folks to ask their doctor to add mmr test to the typ titer test.