Toronto Medical and Vaccinations

[Sam and Ben 2]

So I was perusing the Vancouver vaccinations thread and wanted some insight into the Toronto medical with Dr. Seiden.

The woman on the phone at their office said to make sure I'd gotten my td/mmr shots within the last ten years, and asked if I had had chicken pox as a child. She then said that the hpv vaccine was required as well.

I'm wondering about the td shot, though. Folks for the Vancouver medicals said that they had to get a new booster shot, but how has everyone fared with TO?

Their website says:

An initial series of three immunizations, which are normally received in childhood at ages 2, 4 and 6 months and a booster immunization within the last 10 years must be documented.

or

If you have no proof of a primary series you must begin an adult series of TWO doses of Td 4 to 8 weeks apart with a third dose 6 to 12 months after the second. You must be as up-to-date as possible with your series at the time of your immigration medical.

or

You must have proof of a Td booster within the 4 weeks prior to your immigration medical.

or

An antibody titers blood test showing proof of immunity to tetanus and diphtheria.

Reading this, if I got my usual td update booster four years ago, I should be fine... right?

(Asking my doc to translate what this means isn't as easily said as done... and I figured those of you who have been through this would know better anyhow.)

Thanks for the advice!

[The_Dude 1,142]

As long as you are in the normal range for the booster shot, you should be OK.

[Sam and Ben 2]

As long as you are in the normal range for the booster shot, you should be OK.

Perfect, that's exactly what I wanted to hear.

Thanks!

[Flames9_RN 358]

One should have a Tetanus shot once every 10yrs!!

[Rhiannercakes 14]

I ended up getting the Tdp booster on accident. I really got confused by the website.

Here's hoping they'll accept it.

It's still Td, but with the p as extra immunization.

[Rustbelt 0]

Steve's wife here.

I got my TD booster done about a year ago. That was perfectly acceptable. What you actually get is a "medically inappropriate" exception on the vaccination sheet they give you when you pick up the medical. Meaning that seeing as I had one quite recently I couldn't have another booster so soon.

[Tina&Roland 4]

My doctor gave me the Tdp booster shot the other day. I think that's the latest protection. I have my medical tomorrow and will let you know how that goes! Apparently the office opens at 6:30AM on a first-come-first serve basis and you're supposed to be there before 8AM.

Tina

[CanAmerican 0]

Your TD booster should be fine as long as its within the last 10 yrs.

For the Yellow Immunization cards, how has your doctor filled them out to indicate you are vaccinated? They usually put checkmarks, date it was given, and the Dr's name. Is there additional info required to prove you got the vaccine (i.e. how should it be documented)?

[Sam and Ben 2]

Your TD booster should be fine as long as its within the last 10 yrs.

For the Yellow Immunization cards, how has your doctor filled them out to indicate you are vaccinated? They usually put checkmarks, date it was given, and the Dr's name. Is there additional info required to prove you got the vaccine (i.e. how should it be documented)?

I just called up the local health unit and had them mail out my most updated checklist, so the only one handwritten in there will be the first of the Gardasil series.

I have my original card as well, but it's old and crumbling... though I suppose I will take it to the medical just in case.

[CanAmerican 0]

Your TD booster should be fine as long as its within the last 10 yrs.

For the Yellow Immunization cards, how has your doctor filled them out to indicate you are vaccinated? They usually put checkmarks, date it was given, and the Dr's name. Is there additional info required to prove you got the vaccine (i.e. how should it be documented)?

I just called up the local health unit and had them mail out my most updated checklist, so the only one handwritten in there will be the first of the Gardasil series.

I have my original card as well, but it's old and crumbling... though I suppose I will take it to the medical just in case.

How do you get them to update it? I know for kids in school you can update what immunizations they've had, can we do that for ourselves too?

[Rhiannercakes 14]

I'm only bringing my yellow card and the piece of paper I have that documented my Hep B shots from grade school... and something I dont know what yet to document Gardasil.

Probably the yellow card again.

[Sam and Ben 2]

The last booster I got was in secondary school almost five years ago... and I recall that I called up the health unit to let them know that I received the shot, date and location, to amend my record.

My mom just wrote the update in my card, though looking at the other vaccines listed (since birth), they all appear to be her handwriting. I have most of the slips I received when getting vaccines from the school, if it should ever be questioned. My record from the health unit has space to write in any updates, and I assumed that either I would just amend it myself after my first dose, or my doc would.

Don't know if there's any benefit/need to call up the health unit and then letting them know.

[darkchilde794 5]

I actually emailed the medical people for this -- they will reply!

You dont need a pertussis booster if you got a Td booster within the last 10 years. They just need your baby records and then a booster update.

You definitely need Gardasil and you can get away with just the first shot for now -- not sure how that works for AOS.

You just need to say youve got chicken pox and approximate year (or grade level) you got it.

The rest you can get a regular blood test to check for antibodies. I didnt need to do this bec I had all my paperwork but my doctor was willing to do it. It could take up to 2 weeks to get results.

For medical, I advise you guys to get in super early. IT TAKES FRIGGING FOREVER. They let you in before 7 am, I was in by 6:45 and I was the third person! BUT if youre early, you go through the paying process and x-ray really fast.

If youve never been to this place, scout it out if possible. Its actually quite easy to find, I believe theres a big medical sign or medical banner in maroon on the building. However, I get lost pretty fast so I lost minutes finding it.

The nearest intersection for public transit would be the King St East street car -- get off Jarvis St and walk all the way south to Front. It wont be too traffic to take the street car but the damn thing takes forever to come in the early morning so I ended up walking to the place.

There are a couple of parking garages near the place, but youd have to walk. I dont remember if there are actual metered parking near by. There's a starbucks and subway across the street that opens early.

Its pretty traffic downtown and even at 6:30, the streets were getting a bit busy. It will probably even be busier by the time you leave bec the doctors are uber slow The doctor the day I did my medical didnt show up until 8

Oh and dont talk to the med tech taking your blood. I made the mistake of answering her questions and she took longer taking my blood bec she was so chatty I sported a big bruise on my left arm for a week

You get your results 2 days later or something -- dont forget it! I almost forgot to get mine

If you guys have questions, lemme know!

[Spoom 8]

On the subject of immigration medicals: Nobody should have to get up at 5 AM. Ever.

OK, that's a little more general than the medical itself, I'm just saying.

[Rhiannercakes 14]

From what I hear, you have to finish Gardasil.

Like, I probably wont be finished it by the time we file AOS, but I think you have to prove you're finishing it with doctors appointments and the like.