Immunization records, antibody titers, and TB screening make up the medical-documentation core of every vendor-credentialing profile. They are also the documents that take longest to assemble the first time — some involve lab work or multi-visit testing — so new reps should start here. This guide covers what platforms typically require and the fastest legitimate ways to produce each document.
The immunizations hospitals typically require
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) — vaccination record or positive titer.
- Varicella (chickenpox) — vaccination record or positive titer; a remembered childhood illness is generally not sufficient documentation by itself.
- Hepatitis B — vaccination series, positive titer, or a signed declination where the facility permits one.
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) — proof of vaccination within the facility’s required window.
- Influenza — annual, seasonal; see our dedicated guide to flu shot requirements and declination forms.
- COVID-19 — policies vary significantly by facility; check each hospital’s current requirement in your platform profile.
These reflect the CDC’s recommendations for healthcare personnel immunization; each hospital decides exactly which it enforces for vendors and at what access tier.
Titers: proving immunity when you can’t find records
A titer is a blood test that measures antibody levels to show existing immunity. Credentialing platforms accept positive titers in place of missing vaccination records — useful if your childhood records are long gone. Titers can be ordered through your physician, occupational health, or direct-to-consumer lab services with local draw sites. If a titer comes back negative or equivocal, you’ll need the vaccination (or re-vaccination) instead, so build in lead time.
TB screening: skin tests vs. blood tests
The CDC recommends baseline TB screening for personnel in healthcare settings. Two routes satisfy it:
- Tuberculin skin test (TST) — placed on one visit and read 48–72 hours later; many facilities require a two-step TST for the initial baseline (two tests one to three weeks apart), which can take up to a month to complete.
- IGRA blood tests (e.g., QuantiFERON-TB Gold, T-SPOT) — a single blood draw with no return visit, generally accepted as an alternative to the skin test and much faster for baseline compliance.
Since 2019 the CDC no longer recommends routine annual TB retesting for healthcare personnel without exposure — but facility policies vary, and your credentialing platform will show whether a hospital still requires periodic screening. Verify rather than assume.
Assembling the documents quickly
- Request your immunization history from your physician, college, or state immunization registry first — recovering a record is faster and cheaper than testing.
- For anything missing, order titers (one blood draw can cover MMR, varicella, and hep B).
- For TB, choose an IGRA blood test if the facility accepts it and you’re starting from zero — it avoids the two-step TST’s month-long timeline.
- Upload everything to your platform profile and note each expiration; find which platform each hospital uses in our directory by state.
Frequently asked questions
Can I decline vaccines and still get credentialed?
Sometimes — hepatitis B and influenza declinations are accepted by some facilities with conditions (such as masking); MMR/varicella requirements are less commonly waivable. The facility’s policy governs.
How long does TB screening take?
An IGRA blood test: one visit plus lab turnaround. A two-step TST baseline: up to a month including read visits. Plan accordingly.
Where do I get titers drawn?
Through your physician, employer occupational health, or direct-to-consumer lab services with national draw locations.
Do these documents expire?
Most immunization records do not, once accepted; TB screening and flu documentation are the recurring items. Your platform dashboard tracks each expiration.
Disclaimer: Hospital Credentialing Hub is an independent resource and is not affiliated with any hospital or credentialing platform. This page is general information, not medical advice. Requirements vary by facility and access level — always verify current requirements directly with the hospital or your credentialing platform. See also: bloodborne pathogens training and the 2026 vendor credentialing guide.
