What is a Varicella Titer?

A varicella titer, also called a varicella antibody titer test or VZV titer, is a blood test to check for your immunity to chickenpox due to previous vaccination or infection. It checks for chickenpox antibodies (concentrations of IgG antibodies) in the blood. If you are unable to find proof of immunization, but you think you have been vaccinated in the past, you may opt to take a titer test. 

If your institution has a student health center, they may offer titer tests for students. It is always helpful to utilize this resource if you have it. Contact them today about getting your varicella antibody titer.

Schedule your Varicella Titer Test Today Here!

How to Read My Titer Test Results?

A negative test result indicates that you do not have immunity to the varicella infection. In order for your titer test to fulfill your immunization requirement you will need a positive test result which indicates that you do have immunity. If your test results are equivocal, that means that you do have present antibodies but not enough to be considered protective. In order for your titer to be accepted as proof of immunization for most institutions' vaccine compliance you will need positive test results. 

What Do I Do After I Get My Test Results?

If your test results show that you are immune to varicella, you do not need to take any further action. These results can be used to meet immunization compliance standards. If you need help submitting proof of these positive test results, please reach out to help@medproctor.com for assistance.

If your test results show that you do not have immunity, your doctor may recommend that you get the vaccination series, particularly if you are at high risk of getting the infection. This is because the vaccination will help protect you from the infection and lower your chances of becoming ill. Your school may also require that you have proof of immunization or a positive titer, so if your titer test is negative, you will need to get the necessary vaccinations to meet the school's immunization requirements.

For more information on where to get vaccinated, you will want to contact your healthcare provider or your student health center.

Why Get a Varicella Titer?

• Immunization Compliance
• Your school will likely allow you to provide lab evidence of immunity by doing a varicella blood titer test to fulfill your varicella immunization requirement. 
• You will want to confirm with your school that a varicella titer is accepted in place of the varicella vaccination requirement to ensure your immunization compliance. You can also reach out via email to help@medproctor.com to confirm these requirements as well. 
• Pregnancy
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and cannot be revaccinated, you may want to consider getting a titer test to check if you have immunity. This test can help you find out if you have enough antibodies to guard you against the disease, or if you need to be revaccinated.
• Some people also get a varicella titer to check their immunity when they will be in close proximity to a baby or someone with a weakened immune system.
• Confirm your Past Immunization History 
• A titer can be useful if you do not have evidence of your prior varicella immunization or if you have a history of the virus and need to demonstrate this known immunity. It can demonstrate that you have been vaccinated against varicella and are protected from the virus. However, it is important to remember that a titer does not substitute for a varicella vaccine if you have not been immunized in the past.
• If you are uncertain about your immunization status for varicella, a varicella titer test can also be beneficial. This test will show if you have already been vaccinated against varicella or if you need to get vaccinated for the first time. Doing this can help make sure you are adequately safeguarded against the virus.

What is Varicella?

Varicella is more commonly known as the chicken pox. 

The varicella virus is responsible for causing chickenpox, which is highly contagious to those who have not had the illness or been vaccinated against it. It produces an itchy rash with tiny, liquid-filled blisters that can be quite uncomfortable. Fortunately, there is now a vaccine available that can protect children from getting chickenpox. It is typically administered in two doses, with the second dose given four to eight weeks after the first. To ensure full protection from the virus, it is essential to receive both doses of the vaccine.

The chickenpox vaccine has been demonstrated to be a reliable and secure method of avoiding the illness. Research has demonstrated that it is highly successful in preventing the disease, and it can also help to reduce the chances of serious illnesses related to chickenpox, such as pneumonia, and encephalitis. Furthermore, the vaccine can help to reduce the transmission of the virus, which can be especially beneficial in protecting vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems. 

Please note that the varicella titer only tests for immunity, it does not protect you from contracting the disease. Please contact your student health center or doctor if you are interested in getting vaccinated. Furthermore, If you have any current symptoms alike to the varicella infection contact your doctor immediately.