To get antibody titers test or get vaccines prior to medical

[CJ8611 6]

Hello all,

I have no vaccination records at all, but I had recent ones which were given under a company health & wellness program at my previous work. I am such an OC person and I don't want to get 4 or so shots all in one day come medical, so I am thinking of getting an antibody titers test instead or perhaps get the necessary vaccines in a spread-out schedule rather than wait for the medical exam. I'll be requesting for certificates and records and all from the physician, which I can present during the medical at St. Luke's. Is this acceptable or will St. Luke's still insist that I get the shots again?

Thank you in advance!

[Hank_ 9,174]

St. Luke's is required to give you the necessary vaccinations, there is no benefit in getting vaccinations somewhere else. St. Luke's has to follow the requirements listed by USEM.

Edited October 12, 2012 by Hank_

[Tahoma 2,292]

If you provide St. Lukes with the proper documentation of your vaccinations, they will waive the ones you've already had. However, I'm not sure they accept titer test results. You may want to contact them in advance about that issue.

Also, you won't be given a Varicella vaccination if you can show the doctor at St. Lukes that you have chicken pox scars.

The shots normally given to adults at St. Lukes are TDap, MMR, Varicella, and the flu shot (during flu season).

[ZamboMichigan 2]

My wife tried to complete the MMR and the Varicella in July to avoid any birth defect issues when we reunite shortly.

It turns out that the Varicella requires two doses, so they gave her the second one and now we must wait 28 days to begin any family planning.

It was a good idea, but be sure to get the proper dosages.

[neodragon0l 6]

If you are not in a hurry (e.g., your interview is weeks away), you can just talk to St. Lukes about spreading out the shots if you are not comfortable with taking them all at once. You are probably not the first person who has this issue. Call St. Lukes ahead of time and ask if they are willing to spread out the shots if necessary. If not, then you can ask the Antibody Titer Test.

I don't know how much the test costs, but St. Lukes may very well do the Antibody Titer test as part of the blood test. I would just hate for the OP to duplicate the work that St. Lukes will do anyway.

[CJ8611 6]

Thank you all! Now, that chickenpox scar is quite tricky because I can't find any anymore, unless some acne scars will be mistaken for that, haha!

I was about to call St. Luke's, but then it's Saturday. I will post whatever added information I can get from them...

Thanks again for your inputs, appreciate it a lot. Helps in my decision-making.

[apple21 953]

My advice is just wait for your medical.

SLEC gets to decide what shots to give you regardless if you have a vaccination record or not. It's their standard procedure.

No need to get separate shots from a local physician because all the shots SLEC will give you is already included in the medical fee.

My daughter was given 5 shots at SLEC last year. 2 on the right arm, 2 on the left and 1 on her thigh. She was 4 years old. She didn't cry, not a tear. Hope this helps. Good luck po.

Edited October 13, 2012 by apple21

[CJ8611 6]

My advice is just wait for your medical.

SLEC gets to decide what shots to give you regardless if you have a vaccination record or not. It's their standard procedure.

No need to get separate shots from a local physician because all the shots SLEC will give you is already included in the medical fee.

My daughter was given 5 shots at SLEC last year. 2 on the right arm, 2 on the left and 1 on her thigh. She was 4 years old. She didn't cry, not a tear. Hope this helps. Good luck po.

You've got a brave daughter! Actually, I'm not afraid of needles, I even look at the syringe whenever I get a CBC. It's my OCness about schedule and stuff.

[ca_babe 129]

You've got a brave daughter! Actually, I'm not afraid of needles, I even look at the syringe whenever I get a CBC. It's my OCness about schedule and stuff.

Stupid question from me: What is OCness?

[CJ8611 6]

Stupid question from me: What is OCness?

Oops..Obsessive-Compulsive (OC). I have the OC syndrome when it comes to schedule, instructions, planning, preparation and execution. I guess it goes with being a researcher. I have carried it over to the entire immigration process, hence, the attitude about being prepared for the medical. I'm like this about processes. Glad my husband doesn't mind.

Edited October 13, 2012 by CJ8611

[Hank_ 9,174]

Need a chill pill. Get a bag of gummy bears and relax.

[neodragon0l 6]

Oops..Obsessive-Compulsive (OC). I have the OC syndrome when it comes to schedule, instructions, planning, preparation and execution. I guess it goes with being a researcher. I have carried it over to the entire immigration process, hence, the attitude about being prepared for the medical. I'm like this about processes. Glad my husband doesn't mind.

LOl. I like like that too, but my cheapness prevents me from doing what you are planning to do. Just go with the flow on this one.

[CJ8611 6]

Need a chill pill. Get a bag of gummy bears and relax.

LOl. I like like that too, but my cheapness prevents me from doing what you are planning to do. Just go with the flow on this one.

I love gummy bears! Believe it or not, I'm actually pretty relaxed, I just get curious ideas on how to get things done or to how be better prepared. To be honest, I never badgered my husband about calling NVC for updates, LOL. I only asked him to call on 2 accounts, to check whether they got the packet from USCIS and the other time if they have received the DS3032, then we just waited.

I think I am leaning towards just getting the shots at St. Luke's, as it seems. I have to double-check though how I can prove I had chickenpox already if scars are not visible anymore. Plus, maybe I just need to find a companion because I don't think I can drive back home with shots on both arms and on either leg given the Manila traffic.

Thanks!

[CJ8611 6]

Need a chill pill. Get a bag of gummy bears and relax.

LOl. I like like that too, but my cheapness prevents me from doing what you are planning to do. Just go with the flow on this one.

I love gummy bears! Believe it or not, I'm actually pretty relaxed, I just get curious ideas on how to get things done or to how be better prepared. To be honest, I never badgered my husband about making frequent calls to NVC for updates, LOL. So far, I only asked him to call on 2 accounts, to check whether they got the packet from USCIS and the other time if they have received the DS3032 e-mail, then we just waited according to the time frame told.

All in all, I think I am leaning towards just getting the shots at St. Luke's, as it seems, cost-wise and process-wise. I have to double-check though how I can prove I had chickenpox already if scars are not visible anymore.

Thanks!

[jasper12 0]

Antibody titers are great if you can get one easily. There is no sense in being revaccinated if you have already received the vaccines previously. Vaccines are not without risks even though they are generally safe. In the US, it's possible to order a titer test online. Good luck!