Flu shot question

[pocheros 101]

My husband just got out of his medical, and we were pretty sure that he was going to need another MMR shot because his vaccine record only shows that he had one (and we had read this thread). But the nurse said he was fine...I hope that wasn't a mistake. He went for the Tdap a couple weeks ago, and they gave him the flu vaccine today at the medical exam.

I think the medical exam doesn't require the MMR but USCIS wants to see it once you do AOS. It's a little convoluted. If he hasn't had a second booster he should get one. My family doctor gave it to me for free and she said that she can guarantee they will want me to have a booster shot.

[alizon 77]

I think the medical exam doesn't require the MMR but USCIS wants to see it once you do AOS. It's a little convoluted. If he hasn't had a second booster he should get one. My family doctor gave it to me for free and she said that she can guarantee they will want me to have a booster shot.

Well, we're doing a CR-1, so we won't go through AOS, just removal of conditions in two years. I don't know if that makes a difference.

[pocheros 101]

Well, we're doing a CR-1, so we won't go through AOS, just removal of conditions in two years. I don't know if that makes a difference.

Oh, sorry, I forgot to check what visa you are I don't know if that makes a difference either. I just heard that immunity with MMR fades and it's been going around so it's a good idea to get a booster...

[sheeshkabelle 153]

My husband just got out of his medical, and we were pretty sure that he was going to need another MMR shot because his vaccine record only shows that he had one (and we had read this thread). But the nurse said he was fine...I hope that wasn't a mistake. He went for the Tdap a couple weeks ago, and they gave him the flu vaccine today at the medical exam.

I believe, as long as the Civil Surgeon signed off on his medical, he's not 'required' to have the second MMR. But to be on the safe side, as soon as possible have him get his booster.

Measles, Mumps and Pertussis (whooping cough) are making a comeback for two reasons.

1) it was discovered one vaccination was not enough. Your body's immune system can 'forget' the antibody and you can be infected with the virus. Since 1990 all children have two shots of MMR and another booster at age 12. The same for Td now TDAP. (Most people get TDAP every few years. Instead of giving the good ol' fashioned Tetanus most ERs and Drs dose you up with the Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis at once)

When this was put in effect, older people, like me, did not get a second shot and ended up getting a booster as an adult.

2) People quit vaccinating their children over the Lancet Journal that stated Thiomersal (used as a preservative in Vaccines) was falsely linked to the increase of Autism diagnosis. The report was thoroughly researched and had more holes than swiss cheese. The doctor that released his findings was later stripped of his credentails for falsifying his medical findings.

In the age of the internet, people got a hold of the story and spread like.. well.. a virus and before you knew it people were not letting their doctor Vaccinate their kids. Now these kids are in University and spreading Measles and Mumps like no ones business.

People in Reason 1 get the viruses because of people in Reason 2; who caught the viruses from someone else. (Measles can live up to 14 days, Mumps 30 days, floating around in the air from just one sneeze. Makes you want to wash yourself in hand sanitizer every time you get off the bus)

Thirty years of vaccination protocol down the tubes, because of a small percentage of the population.

[dukeandduchess 141]

Well, we're doing a CR-1, so we won't go through AOS, just removal of conditions in two years. I don't know if that makes a difference.

I know at Woking they can check a few different boxes based on the "progress" of the vaccinations. For my Varicella they put "incomplete/not complete in time" because I only had 1 of 2 shots done. So I'm assuming I'll just get the civil surgeon to verify it (I have proof of a second shot). If your husbands says "not applicable" or has the date I think it will be fine. He may want to get the second shot done just in case before he goes because it is free at any health unit. I'm assuming they will charge for it in the US.

[awkwardsoul 20]

I'm totally getting caught in that MMR 2 shot disaster too - I'm trying to track down my vaccine records as a kid and the health unit didn't sound too optimistic they'll have it.

Woking should really put it on the website we need to bring proof of 2 shots. Same with Varicella.

Sigh.. tired of getting stabbed with needles.

[Janshark 0]

Holy ####### this is confusing.

I just got approved on Monday so now i guess we're waiting for my american fiance to get the NOA2. Anyway, after reading this website I tried to be pro-active regarding the medical. Didn't know if I had chicken pox, got the blood test and turns out I did have it. Got a tetanus booster a couple of years ago, called my doctor's office, turns out it was just Td so I'll get her to give me another one with Tdap.

Regarding MMR how do I find out? I'm 52, born in 1960. I live in BC. Who has these records? I doubt my doctor does - I've only been seeing her a few years.

So how do I find out if I had MMR and if I need the booster?

Thanks

Jan

[dukeandduchess 141]

Call the BC Health Unit (Just google Health Unit) and it will have a list of phone numbers. You need to contact the local one (where you grew up).

If you were born in the 60's you probably only got 1 shot (if any *I'm not sure when they started vaccinating for MMR*) so I'm sure your doctor would just give you the booster. Never hurts to call your doctor and ask if they will give you one.

[sheeshkabelle 153]

Janshark,

MMR wasn't introduced as a required vaccine until 1971, so you probably never got vaccinated. Because you were born before vaccination protocol was introduced, That doesn't mean you have to run out and get the series of three shots. You probably also had some kind of contact with the viruses at some point in your life. Get your TDAP and MMR vaccines, you can get them on the same day.

You'll have to get a flu shot since flu season doesn't end until March.

Some places offer vaccinations for free, or really cheap. (I got mine local county health department for free.)

You have the blood titer as proof of Varicella.

We found out that Manitoba Health destroys records over 30 years old. Hubby was 33 when he realized he didn't have his shot records. He went to a local clinic and had blood titers and it showed what he had antibodies for (either vaccines or the actual virus)

I think with the MMR booster, TDAP, HEP B,(not required but he got it anyway because I am in a health care field) flu shot and the blood titers the bill came to a little over $300.00, since Alberta Health (where he lives now) doesn't cover blood titers but does cover vaccines.

Edited February 16, 2012 by sheeshkabelle

[Janshark 0]

Thanks for your replies.

I just re-read Woking's website - I don't need MMR - I'm too old. You stop needing it at 50 and I'm 52. yaayyy one more thing i don't have to worry about. Although out of curiousity I'm going to contact the health clinic and find out what I vaccinations I had.

Cheers,

Jan

[sheeshkabelle 153]

Thanks for your replies.

I just re-read Woking's website - I don't need MMR - I'm too old. You stop needing it at 50 and I'm 52. yaayyy one more thing i don't have to worry about. Although out of curiousity I'm going to contact the health clinic and find out what I vaccinations I had.

Cheers,

Jan

Yay! All you'll need is the flu shot and you're good to go!

I know universities and colleges in the US have exemptions for people over the age of 50 for vaccinations, and over the age of 30 for the varicella vaccine.

I wasn't sure if the US government saw it the same way for immigration purposes. (I didn't want to tell you wrong!)