JAMAICA: Starting Shots BEFORE Medical

[IslandLady 7]

Question to Jamaican filers who've gone through this before:

I'm approaching the end of my NVC processing. I figure that at BEST, I'll get an interview date for at LEAST one month away. Should I start getting my shots now, or should I wait on the medical? I have no vaccination records from school days, so I'll have to start all over again. I'm in my early 40s ( I'm told that age determines what shots/boosters are needed).

Edited April 11, 2012 by IslandLady

[Therealworld 90]

Your Dr. should know what shots you may need. There is no problem in getting them done now. This way when you go for your physical through an required Dr through the embassy you will not have to get them then. It may say you money in the end. I had my husband make sure his was all set just knowing in the end that he is going to need them on record.

[JJ:( 0]

Hi babygurl, I was wondering how long it too to get your NOA2 with Vermont? I rarely see anyone going through there on VJ and from the islands.

thanks

[IslandLady 7]

Your Dr. should know what shots you may need. There is no problem in getting them done now. This way when you go for your physical through an required Dr through the embassy you will not have to get them then. It may say you money in the end. I had my husband make sure his was all set just knowing in the end that he is going to need them on record.

Thank you

[trojam227 18]

At your age you should only need Tdap, MMR & Varicella. The Varicella vaccine is not available in some countries, so check on that. My husband had a blood test (titres) done for proof of immunity to Measles/Mumps/Rubella & Varicella (instead of re-doing shots), and only received the Tdap vaccine at his local doctor. You can have vaccines done by the panel physician but they charge quite a bit usually. If you can get some for free at your regular doc. I recommend saving yourself some money. Their are other optional vaccines but most are recommended for ill, elderly, or children.

[IslandLady 7]

At your age you should only need Tdap, MMR & Varicella. The Varicella vaccine is not available in some countries, so check on that. My husband had a blood test (titres) done for proof of immunity to Measles/Mumps/Rubella & Varicella (instead of re-doing shots), and only received the Tdap vaccine at his local doctor. You can have vaccines done by the panel physician but they charge quite a bit usually. If you can get some for free at your regular doc. I recommend saving yourself some money. Their are other optional vaccines but most are recommended for ill, elderly, or children.

Thanks Trojam227. I've been reading some posts from Jamaicans that say sometimes when you get the shots on your own within 4-8 weeks of the medical, it causes a problem and the panel physician re-schedule the medical - which of course effectively delays the whole process. That's why I want to find out the experiences of people here in Jamaica. As you've pointed out, if starting the shots on my own means saving money and time, then that's what I'll do. But I don't want to unnecessarily risk any delay in the processing of my case.

[trojam227 18]

Thanks Trojam227. I've been reading some posts from Jamaicans that say sometimes when you get the shots on your own within 4-8 weeks of the medical, it causes a problem and the panel physician re-schedule the medical - which of course effectively delays the whole process. That's why I want to find out the experiences of people here in Jamaica. As you've pointed out, if starting the shots on my own means saving money and time, then that's what I'll do. But I don't want to unnecessarily risk any delay in the processing of my case.

Really? That's a shame...if you have documentation that you've had the shots, it shouldn't matter where or when you get them. Did you call the visa medical facility where you will be going to ask about this?

[IslandLady 7]

Really? That's a shame...if you have documentation that you've had the shots, it shouldn't matter where or when you get them. Did you call the visa medical facility where you will be going to ask about this?

I'll be calling them tomorrow.

[lssnodgrass 1]

You can look at the consulate reviews for Jamaica on this site and read how the medical(s) went. In some countries, Mexico for example, sometimes even when you bring proof, they still make you get the vacc/immun. again. I would be prepared in case this happens and have the money to cover it available.

[Ryan H 3,818]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Caribbean regional forum; topic is country (Jamaica) specific.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

Hi, just wait for the medical and get the shots. The dr's are now being very picky and they are not accepting the shot records from the clinic. Plus, the clinic may not have the shots med you will need so don't stress your self out before hand.

[abg 25]

Question to Jamaican filers who've gone through this before:

I'm approaching the end of my NVC processing. I figure that at BEST, I'll get an interview date for at LEAST one month away. Should I start getting my shots now, or should I wait on the medical? I have no vaccination records from school days, so I'll have to start all over again. I'm in my early 40s ( I'm told that age determines what shots/boosters are needed).

my wife had the same issue. lost her vaccine card and could not find records in buff bay, so she took them again. its about 4 or 5 shots. there is one that has a 6 week period between first and second shot. my wife will get the second in 2 weeks. you should start right now...

[IslandLady 7]

Hi, just wait for the medical and get the shots. The dr's are now being very picky and they are not accepting the shot records from the clinic. Plus, the clinic may not have the shots med you will need so don't stress your self out before hand.

Thanks Life... that's what I've been hearing, which is why I posted the question. I don't understand the logic though: so they only accept the shots that they themselves give? Wow. I'm leaning towards the option you're recommending - I don't want to spend twice the time and money for immunizations.

my wife had the same issue. lost her vaccine card and could not find records in buff bay, so she took them again. its about 4 or 5 shots. there is one that has a 6 week period between first and second shot. my wife will get the second in 2 weeks. you should start right now...

Your wife's interview has just been scheduled, right? How soon will she be doing her medical? Has she spoken to anyone at the facility to find out if they will accept the shots that she's gotten already?

Edited April 12, 2012 by IslandLady

[heather343 0]

At your age you should only need Tdap, MMR & Varicella. The Varicella vaccine is not available in some countries, so check on that. My husband had a blood test (titres) done for proof of immunity to Measles/Mumps/Rubella & Varicella (instead of re-doing shots), and only received the Tdap vaccine at his local doctor. You can have vaccines done by the panel physician but they charge quite a bit usually. If you can get some for free at your regular doc. I recommend saving yourself some money. Their are other optional vaccines but most are recommended for ill, elderly, or children.

Did the immigration doctor do a blood test on ur husband to see if he had those vaccines done previously is that what you mean ????

[heather343 0]

At your age you should only need Tdap, MMR & Varicella. The Varicella vaccine is not available in some countries, so check on that. My husband had a blood test (titres) done for proof of immunity to Measles/Mumps/Rubella & Varicella (instead of re-doing shots), and only received the Tdap vaccine at his local doctor. You can have vaccines done by the panel physician but they charge quite a bit usually. If you can get some for free at your regular doc. I recommend saving yourself some money. Their are other optional vaccines but most are recommended for ill, elderly, or children.

Edited April 12, 2012 by heather343