TB / Immunization FAQs
TB Test (Tuberculosis Testing)
A two-step (Double Mantoux) is required initially (within the past twelve months of admission into a health career program). Obtain test one, return 48-72 hours to have test read. Obtain the second test one to three weeks after test one is administered, and return 48-72 hours to have test read. Your healthcare provider must document dates, results and enter provider information. If positive due to latent tuberculosis, obtain a chest x-ray and a medical provider statement. Please see details below
A one-step TB is required in subsequent years following the initial two-step. Annually and prior to the one-year anniversary of the last skin test, obtain a one-step TB skin test. Your healthcare provider must complete results, date, and enter provider information. Please note: If you fail to obtain a subsequent TB screening within 12 months, you will be required to repeat the two-step or obtain an IGRA Blood Test.
OR
If you are unable to receive Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Testing, one of the blood tests listed below may be used as an alternative:
- IGRA Blood Test - i.e. QuantifFERON Gold or T-Spot (you may choose this option annually in lieu of the skin tests listed above.) Your healthcare provider must document results, date and enter provider information. If positive due to latent tuberculosis, obtain a chest x-ray.
Please note: in subsequent years if a student elects to switch to the skin test option, a two-step will be required, followed by annual one-steps.
If you have received a TB (BCG) vaccine or have a positive result:
- A chest x-ray is required for positive results due to latent tuberculosis disease or vaccination. A chest x-ray is only required once every ten years. Annual Health Evaluation is required in conjunction with x-ray report. In subsequent years following the chest x-ray a NEW Annual Health Evaluation is required to confirm the absence of active TB.
- Annual Health Evaluation Required in combination with original x-ray and independently in subsequent years following a chest x-ray. Your healthcare provider must provide a statement that indicates there are no active signs of TB and enter provider information. Please see the link for the form: https://www.cscc.edu/services/hr_pdf/Annual.pdf
The Health Records Office follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for Immunization and Vaccination schedule recommendations. Please visit the CDC's website for more information at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html. The website links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Columbus State Community College of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. The College bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine is available between August 1st and June 1st
Please visit the Columbus Public Health website for more information regarding availability and cost: https://www.columbus.gov/publichealth/programs/Seasonal-Flu-Prevention/Flu-Vaccine-at-CPH/
Please visit the Center for Disease Controls website, for more information regarding the Flu Vaccine: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html.
Immunization FAQs
An antibody titer is a laboratory test that measures the level of antibodies in a blood sample. The IgG titer is a blood test that determines whether you have immunity to certain diseases by measuring your antibody level to those diseases. If you have had the disease in the past or have been vaccinated for it, you are likely to show evidence of immunity through a positive titer, or antibody, level. A positive IgG titer result may be used in lieu of most immunization records. The IgG titer is required for both MMR and Varicella.
The following antibody titer tests are available:
- MMR (Measles/Rubeola, Mumps, Rubella)
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella/Chickenpox
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Pertussis
- Diphtheria
- QuantiFERON-TB Gold Blood Test (alternative to skin test/X-Ray)
Thimerosal, a mercury-containing organic compound which is approximately 50 percent mercury by weight, has been one of the most widely used preservatives in vaccines. Thimerosal has been widely used as a preservative in a number of biological and drug products, including many vaccines, to help prevent potentially life threatening contamination with harmful microbes. However, Thimerosal has been removed from or reduced to trace amounts in all vaccines routinely recommended for children 6 years of age and younger, with the exception of inactivated influenza vaccine, a preservative-free version of the inactivated influenza vaccine (contains trace amounts of thimerosal) is available in limited supply. Some vaccines such as Td, which is indicated for older children (≥ 7 years of age) and adults, are also now available in formulations that are free of thimerosal or contain only trace amounts. Vaccines with trace amounts of thimerosal contain one microgram or less of mercury per dose. http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/SafetyAvailability/VaccineSafety/UCM096228
Hepatitis B FAQ
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by hepatitis B virus. This is a blood-borne disease and can be very serious. Please visit the CDC's website for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm
Hepatitis B causes a flu-like illness with loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, rashes, joint pain, and jaundice. The virus stays in the liver of some people for the rest of their lives and can result in severe liver diseases, including fatal cancer. Please visit the CDC's website for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm
Yes. No differences in immune response are observed when vaccines from different manufacturers are used to complete the vaccine series. Please visit the CDC's website for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm
No, the series does not need to be restarted.
- If the vaccine series was interrupted after the first dose, the second dose should be administered as soon as possible.
- The second and third doses should be separated by an interval of at least 8 weeks.
- If only the third dose is delayed, it should be administered as soon as possible. Please visit the CDC's website for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm
No. If necessary, administering extra doses of Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B vaccine is not harmful. Please visit the CDC's website for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm
Yes. When Hepatitis B vaccine has been administered at the same time as other vaccines, no interference with the antibody response of the other vaccines has been demonstrated. Separate body sites and syringes should be used for simultaneous administration of injectable vaccines. Please visit the CDC's website for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm
Studies indicate that immunologic memory remains intact for at least 20 years among healthy vaccinated individuals who initiated Hepatitis B vaccination >6 months of age. The vaccine confers long-term protection against clinical illness and chronic Hepatitis B virus infection. Cellular immunity appears to persist even though antibody levels might become low or decline below detectable levels. Among vaccinated cohorts who initiated Hepatitis B vaccination at birth, long-term follow-up studies are ongoing to determine the duration of vaccine-induced immunity. Please visit the CDC's website for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm
Children and adolescent:
- Babies normally get three doses of hepatitis B vaccine; some babies might get four doses, for example, if a combination vaccine containing hepatitis B is used. (This is a single shot containing several vaccines.) The extra dose is not harmful.
- Anyone through 18 years of age who didn't get the vaccine when they were younger should also be vaccinated.
Adults:
All unvaccinated adults at risk for hepatitis B infection should be vaccinated. Adults
getting hepatitis B vaccine should get three doses. Your doctor can tell you about
other dosing schedules that might be used in certain circumstances.
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/hep-b.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/hcw.html