Final answer:
To track the number of patients who received the MMR vaccine, an immunization registry is used. It records vaccinations and helps maintain public health records. The MMR Titer test can ascertain if an individual has adequate immunity and requires another vaccine dose.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine how many patients received the MMR vaccine, you would use an immunization registry. This centralized system tracks vaccinations given to individuals within a certain geographical area. Health professionals use it to ensure that patients receive appropriate vaccines and to monitor public health initiatives. The immunization registry can provide data on who has been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, as opposed to a medication registry which tracks prescriptions, or a vaccination protocol, which outlines the procedures for vaccination but doesn't track who received them. There's no such thing as an MMR registry that specifically tracks the MMR vaccine.
The MMR Titer test is an immunoassay performed on a blood sample to determine whether an individual has sufficient antibodies against measles, mumps, and rubella, and hence whether they are immune or may require another dose of the vaccine. This is particularly pertinent for healthcare workers to prevent outbreaks within vulnerable populations. Knowing whether healthcare workers have immunity is crucial in preventing the spread of these contagious diseases.