Adult chicken pox vaccination

Dear Ask The Doctor: Do I need a blood test to check for antibodies for chicken pox before having a vaccination? I am 34 and my son is 1 yr about to get his. My insurance will pay for the vaccine but not the blood work till after deductable. I haven't had chicken pox to my knowledge and would like to be sure I don't aquire them or shingles. I guess I may be over worried but my son is waiting on me to figure this out. Thankyou for your time.

Dear David: I think the more important question is: did you have a chickenpox vaccine as a child? Antibodies can be developed actively (acquiring the disease or being exposed to the disease then produce antibodies) and passively (having immunizations then develop antibodies). Your insurance may want to check your antibody concentration (aka titer) to be sure if you have had chickenpox vaccine as a child. Yes, there are tests for these. In older individuals, titers may be done first because if it is in the normal range, vaccines are not needed. In kids, vaccines should be routinely given. I do hope I have answered your question and I hope this helps.