Tdap Vaccination

[snowfrostedlashes 0]

Hmmm interesting - I can test the theory on this when I get to that stage because my print out from the GP surgery actually states the batch numbers and clearly shows that I had the combined jab for Tetanus, Diptheria, and Polio. I can't imagine why an adult would need to have a booster for Pertussis, but we'll see what they say at my medical.

On the up side both this and the jab for MMR were completely free from my local GP surgery.

[snowfrostedlashes 0]

Additionally... I'm pretty certain (I used to work as a records clerk at a GP surgery) that the vaccination that incorporates pertussis is DTP or DTaP for diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis... that's in the UK though, so not sure how it differs in the US.

Edited May 15, 2008 by Mark and Hannah

[VisaJourneyLady 33]

just in case it makes any difference, on my little booklet which the nurse filled out detailing all my vaccinations, the Diptheria and Tetnus were printed on to it, but she hand wrote +Polio on to it, and specified that the actual vaccine was Revaxis. So there could have been no confusion where knightsbridge were concerned, which combo of vaccines i'd had. Knightsbridge are only looking for Polio and not pertussis. The misinformation must be between the embassy and Knightsbridge, or even within the Embassy itself.

[HikerMark 5]

My vaccination saga continues. I went to the pharmacy this morning, which is next door to my doctor's practice, to collect my MMR and take to the practice. After a short wait they found the prescription and said it hadn't arrived and would call to see when it was due in. Five minutes later they come back and say that they are not authorised to order MMR. Only a doctor or hospital can order MMR. So they walked in to the practice and spoke to the head practice nurse to explain the position. The practice nurse then confirmed that she had MMR in stock for babies and that she could use that.

I then got handed over to the practice manager and I had a good chat with her. It turns out that if you are aged over 25 the UK has no requirement for MMR so they are unable to give the injection free on the NHS. They can take some from their baby stock but must charge me £25 as a private patient. That would explain why some people on Visajourney are getting it free as they are under 25. Also it would depend on how switched on the practice is about knowing that they need to charge otherwise they don't get reimbursed by the NHS for doing the injection.

It then got better as I mentioned that I would need some sort of certification of my jabs. She then proceeded to tell me that would be another £25 as per the price list on the wall and as recommended by the British Medical Association. I told her that most people just got a free printout from their doctor or nurse. I guess I am just unlucky that my GP practice is super switched on to what they are supposed to be doing under the modern NHS. :-)

She also confirmed that Tdap is not available for adults in the UK.

So, I will go ahead with my MMR at my doctors (£10 cheaper than Knightsbridge) and leave determination of the pertussis until the medical.

In respect of polio, per the vaccination chart on the US Embassy web site, http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/...ccinechart.html , it is not required for anybody over the age of 18 so I don't think the p in Tdap refers to polio.

Edited May 16, 2008 by HikerMark

[Glyn and Kathy 288]

LMAO, Glyn is definitely not under 25...he will be 41 in June. They charged him nothing for the MMR. Of course they did charge us (another time) 47.00 for the letter to the doctor saying his anxiety was under control and to sign his picture for the police certificate.

[snowfrostedlashes 0]

just in case it makes any difference, on my little booklet which the nurse filled out detailing all my vaccinations, the Diptheria and Tetnus were printed on to it, but she hand wrote +Polio on to it, and specified that the actual vaccine was Revaxis. So there could have been no confusion where knightsbridge were concerned, which combo of vaccines i'd had. Knightsbridge are only looking for Polio and not pertussis. The misinformation must be between the embassy and Knightsbridge, or even within the Embassy itself.

That's a relief to know, I was getting worried I'd have to more jabs!

LMAO, Glyn is definitely not under 25...he will be 41 in June. They charged him nothing for the MMR. Of course they did charge us (another time) 47.00 for the letter to the doctor saying his anxiety was under control and to sign his picture for the police certificate.

Me too - I'm pushing 30. Perhaps it depends what Health Authority you're under? Or perhaps some GPs are just greedy?