Recommended Vaccines for Health Care Personnel

If no proof of immunity, HCP need 2 doses of varicella vaccine, at least 28 days apart. Proof of immunity includes:

• Documentation of prior vaccination.
• Clinician diagnosis or serological verification of a history of varicella or herpes zoster (shingles).

If previously unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, HCP needs a 2 or 3-dose series depending on the vaccine product. Obtain anti-HBs serologic testing 1–2 months after final dose for HCP who perform tasks that may involve exposure to blood or body fluids.

Employers may require anti-HBs testing of HCP upon hire despite a record of hepatitis B vaccination in infancy or childhood. A negative anti-HBs test performed years after vaccination does not distinguish responders from non-responders due to waning immunity. It is recommended that HCPs get tested, and if the anti-HBs is below 10 mlU/mL, they should receive an additional dose of hepatitis B vaccine and be retested 1-2 months later.

HCP need documentation of 2 MMR given at least 28 days apart unless they have proof of immunity. Proof of immunity includes:

• Documentation of 2 doses of MMR vaccine.
• Laboratory evidence of immunity.
• Laboratory confirmation of disease.
• HCP born before 1957:
  • Verification of immune status may depend on the risk of exposure to measles within the facility.
  • Consider getting vaccinated anyway.

• HCP need a one-time dose of Tdap as soon as possible if there has been no Tdap previously administered (regardless of when previous dose of Td was received).
• Td boosters every 10 years.
• All pregnant people, including pregnant HCP should get a dose of Tdap during each pregnancy, preferably at 27-35 weeks gestation.

Vaccinate microbiologists that are routinely exposed to Neisseria meningitidis isolates:

• A dose of MenACWY; and boost every 5 years, if risk continues.  
• The 2- or 3- dose series of Men B (depending on product used).