Travel Nurse Recommended Vaccinations

By Nurse Kelley

There has been a lot of flu activity this season. There is an astounding number of travel nurses have either treated someone with flu symptoms, had the flu themselves, or known someone who did. We thought it would be a good idea to review healthcare vaccinations that are recommended for traveling nurses. Again, these are recommendations based on suggestions by the Centers for Disease Control and this list does not reflect requirements to travel with United Staffing Solutions, Inc.

Hepatitis B – If previously unvaccinated, a 3-dose series is recommended. For any nurses working directly with blood, it is suggested that a HCP obtains anti-HBs serologic testing 1–2 months after the last dose in the series.

Influenza – 1 vaccination dose per year.

MMR – For nurses born in 1957 or later without prior vaccination, it is suggested to receive 2 doses of MMR, 4 weeks apart.

Varicella (chickenpox) – For nurses who have no proof of immunity, prior vaccination, diagnosis, or verification of a history of varicella or herpes zoster (shingles) by a healthcare provider, it is recommended that they receive 2 doses of varicella vaccine, 4 weeks apart.

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis – Recommended 1 dose of Tdap as soon as feasible to all unvaccinated prior. Repeat every 10 years as booster.

Meningococcal – Recommended 1 dose if not previously vaccinated. Give MenACWY every 5 years as booster for microbiologists with exposure risk.

References:
CDC. Immunization of Health-Care Personnel: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR, 2011; 60(RR-7).