Here is the actual wording from CDC and note it does not differentiate active TB infection or LTBI: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html#laboratory-testing
Use of immune-based tests for tuberculosis infection, such as the tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assay
COVID-19 vaccination should not be delayed because of testing for tuberculosis (TB) infection. Testing for TB infection with one of the immune-based methods, either the tuberculin skin test (TST) or an interferon release assay (IGRA), can be done before, after, or during the same encounter as COVID-19 vaccination.
TSTs and IGRAs were previously recommended to be administered > 4 weeks after completion of COVID-19 vaccination to minimize potential theoretical interference between vaccination and TB testing. This was out of an abundance of caution during a period when these vaccines were new. However, given logistical challenges faced in delaying TB infection testing, the recommendation has been updated so that these tests may now be administered without regard to timing of COVID-19 vaccination.
From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net> On Behalf Of Wendland, Douglas
Sent: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 5:57 AM
To: wendy thanassi <wendy.thanassi@gmail.com>
Cc: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh@mylist.net>
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] TB testing and COVID-19 vaccine: update from CDC
CDC guidance does not recommend delaying hiring, but rather alternate strategies that include delaying TB testing by IGRA or TST. This no longer is a common problem for us as most new hires have already been vaccinated. We have managed to meet State of Minnesota requirements for TB evaluation of new HCWs by utilizing symptom screen and CXR. There has not been a delay in hiring.
Doug
From: wendy thanassi <wendy.thanassi@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2021 10:36 PM
To: Wendland, Douglas <Douglas.Wendland@slhduluth.com>
Cc: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh@mylist.net>; Thanassi, Wendy <Wendy.Thanassi@va.gov>
Subject: Re: TB testing and COVID-19 vaccine: update from CDC
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Well... that would be troubling.
There's no medically logical or even imaginable reason that this vaccine- as opposed to the others (hep A/B, MMR, VZV, pneumovax, flu)- would change one's immune response to TB-specific antigens in an IGRA. And since both IGRAs have a positive control, if such a thing spuriously occurred, it would render the result indeterminate/invalid.
Further, since people need jobs, and hospitals need healthcare workers, delaying hiring is irresponsible.
My 2c!
Wendy
On Tue, Sep 7, 2021 at 10:03 AM Wendland, Douglas <Douglas.Wendland@slhduluth.com> wrote:
I believe that this was for evaluation for TB infection and exposure. I don’t believe that there has been a change in the 4 week wait for those tested as part of “onboarding”.
Douglas M Wendland, MD, MPH
St. Luke's Occupational Medicine
From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net> On Behalf Of Thanassi, Wendy via MCOH-EH
Sent: Friday, September 03, 2021 1:07 PM
To: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh@mylist.net>
Cc: Thanassi, Wendy <Wendy.Thanassi@va.gov>; Wendy Thanassi <wendy.thanassi@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] TB testing and COVID-19 vaccine: update from CDC
CAUTION: External Sender - This email originated from outside of St. Luke's.
Please do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.Yes and Hallelujah (it should never have been published). Thanks for disseminating this.
From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces+wendy.thanassi=va.gov@mylist.net> On Behalf Of Rolando, Lori
Sent: Thursday, September 2, 2021 5:51 PM
To: mcoh-eh@mylist.net
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [MCOH-EH] TB testing and COVID-19 vaccine: update from CDC
Hi all,
Just in case folks hadn’t seen this, wanted to let the list serve know that the CDC has officially updated their guidance on TB testing in the context of recent COVID-19 vaccination.
We no longer need to consider when someone has had a COVID-19 vaccine when administering a TB test as noted below:“Use of immune-based tests for tuberculosis infection, such as the tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assay
COVID-19 vaccination should not be delayed because of testing for tuberculosis (TB) infection. Testing for TB infection with one of the immune-based methods, either the tuberculin skin test (TST) or an interferon release assay (IGRA), can be done before, after, or during the same encounter as COVID-19 vaccination
TSTs and IGRAs were previously recommended to be administered > 4 weeks after completion of COVID-19 vaccination to minimize potential theoretical interference between vaccination and TB testing. This was out of an abundance of caution during a period when these vaccines were new. However, given logistical challenges faced in delaying TB infection testing, the recommendation has been updated so that these tests may now be administered without regard to timing of COVID-19 vaccination.
source:Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC
Thanks so much,
Lori
Lori Rolando MD MPH FACOEM
Director, Vanderbilt Occupational Health Clinic
615-936-0955 (p)
615-936-0966 (f)
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This St. Luke's communication is intended for the use of the person or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged and confidential, the disclosure of which is governed by applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this information is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately