A wide range of vaccinations are available today to prevent infectious diseases. These vaccinations aim to activate the body’s immune response to various viral and bacterial pathogens.

A regular booster injection is required for many vaccinations after the initial injection in order to maintain long term immunity. The relevant antibody titer is determined to find out if and when these booster injections are necessary.

Determining the titer provides information on the current vaccination status

By measuring the vaccination titer, you can ascertain whether there are enough antibodies in the blood to protect the body from certain pathogens. It is basically an antibody test to find out whether a vaccination has been effective and thus establish whether another vaccination is needed or whether the body has sufficient protection of its own.

If the titer value is too low, another vaccination should be administered. If the titer is high enough, no booster vaccination is necessary.

When does it make sense to measure the vaccination titer?

The vaccination titer should be measured in the following situations:

If it is not known whether (or when) a vaccination was given (i.e. if the patient’s vaccination record has been lost or it is not possible to work out when a certain vaccination was administered).

To check, prior to a pregnancy, whether the woman is protected against rubella, measles or chicken pox (it is especially important for there to be sufficient vaccination protection because an infection with one of these diseases during the pregnancy is a threat to both the unborn child and the mother, and – according to current recommendations – no live vaccines should be given three months prior to a pregnancy or for its duration).

What are the costs of determining the antibody titer?

It costs between EUR 15 and EUR 45 to determine the titer; special titers may cost slightly more.

Even if there are titer tests for almost all vaccinations, it does not always make sense to carry one out. On the one hand, some blood tests are more expensive than the vaccination itself. On the other hand, with some vaccinations, a low titer does not automatically mean the absence of immunity.

Above all, it gives vaccination sceptics a chance to avoid one or other booster injection. If the titer is high enough, no further vaccination is necessary.

Any questions?
Our team of doctors are pleased to advise you!