Pertussis Titer instead of vaccination?

I was wondering if anyone has had a pertussis titer drawn before to see if the TdaP was even necessary. I know more facilities are requiring the pertussis vaccination. We can submit titers for Hep B, MMR, and Varicella, but why not pertussis? If you have done it and paid for it out of pocket, how much did it cost? Thanks for any insight you have!
CDC recommends that adults 19 to 64 get a Tdap booster, especially when working in the healthcare profession. According to this information sheet, immunity from the childhood pertussis immunization wears off, leaving adults exposed to Pertussis.

Thanks - I heard the same about the immunization wearing off, but doesn't it make sense to check for immunity first before getting a vaccine?

I don't see why a request to draw a titer would be refused. If you're immune, you're immune. Don't forget, though that the Tdap includes diphtheria and tetanus. You may be due for a booster.Your employer could ask that you cover the cost, however.

I'm actually glad you posted this... I have to have a TB test this week, and I meant to ask if I could schedule a Tdap at the same time. Entirely forgot until just now.

I agree. However, I'm a traveler and this is my experience: I was offered and accepted a 13 week assignment earlier this year and the details for starting the assignment were being worked out when I found out they required the TdaP within the past year (I think it was year, can't remember exactly). At that time I was not comfortable with receiving yet another vaccine. I asked if a titer would be acceptable and the agency said no. This conversation went on for a couple of days and went up a couple of levels of the chain of command. Ultimately I felt enormous pressure to get the shot and I decided if I wanted to get it it would be if I wanted it not because a three month assignment depended on it. Now I'm seeing that more hospitals are requiring and so I am pursing the issue more.

and I don't mind covering the cost of the titer!

Due to a horrible family/person history of vaccination reactions, I am opting out until it's mandatory. I have had titers drawn for everything. Thankfully, I still carry my immunity.Most cases I have encounters, when I tell them my history and my family history, they are pretty good about not pushing the issue with me.

Quote from GleeGumI agree. However, I'm a traveler and this is my experience: I was offered and accepted a 13 week assignment earlier this year and the details for starting the assignment were being worked out when I found out they required the TdaP within the past year (I think it was year, can't remember exactly). At that time I was not comfortable with receiving yet another vaccine. I asked if a titer would be acceptable and the agency said no. This conversation went on for a couple of days and went up a couple of levels of the chain of command. Ultimately I felt enormous pressure to get the shot and I decided if I wanted to get it it would be if I wanted it not because a three month assignment depended on it. Now I'm seeing that more hospitals are requiring and so I am pursing the issue more.

I don't see why you can't get the titer done. As far as cost, couldn't tell you for sure. My varicella titer was $99, but I don't have health insurance.I can totally understand not wanting to get the vaccine, as far as reactions go. My arm was sore for 2 weeks, I could barely move it.

Quote from GleeGumThanks - I heard the same about the immunization wearing off, but doesn't it make sense to check for immunity first before getting a vaccine?

A sore arm for 2 weeks?? I'd much rather have a little soreness than risk spreading pertussis to an unvaccinated baby...Personally, I had the vaccine and was not even sore. Not a bit. The shot itself didnt even hurt. I give this vaccine on a regular basis and no one complains of soreness for 2 weeks. All in all... why not get the vaccine??

If paying for the titer is not an issue for you then just get it done. If they accept the results you have (if immune), good, if they don't then be prepared to either get the vaccine or lose a job opportunity. Simple as that isn't it?