I will not have proof of varicella (chicken pox) immunity in time for my medical

[Soapies 18]

Hi guys, so I'm coming up on my medical appointment (this wednesday, less than a full day away! ) And I've been in contact with my family dr for a few weeks now about gathering all the correct records and information I will need for this medical exam.

I have my MMR immunization record, my td/tdap record, I got my flu shot done on Friday... The only thing I am really worried about is chicken pox! I had chicken pox has a kid but I have read online that you can lose immunity to it. My Dr. was hesitant in giving me a varicella shot without getting blood work done to show whether my immunity has worn off or not... so instead of just giving me a shot, she sent me out on friday (the earliest we could do it because apparantly October is a stupid busy month for my Dr), to get blood work done to prove that I have immunity.

Well, I wont get that blood work back in time for Wednesday. (I'm pretty upset about this, I tried to get in to see my Dr before the 13th, and they couldn't squeeze me in anywhere ). She gave me a copy of my blood requisition to show the panel physician that I did get the blood work done, but I don't have documented proof of having seen my Dr as a child for chicken pox.

So fine, I can tell the panel physician that I have blood work on the way - but what if it comes back that I'm not immune anymore?

Should I go behind my Drs back and get the Varicella shot at a walk in clinic? I still have tomorrow. That way I can bring in a paper showing I got it done and not even worry about not being immune. Or is this going to have some sort of complication if I already have immunity?

If I don't get the shot (I don't want to go behind my Drs back, she's been really good to me) and it comes back not immune is the panel physician going to be OK with me bringing a record of me having the varicella shot to the interview? Because I will for sure know before the interview and I can get the shot done before then as well.

I know it's a 2 part shot, but I read that adults can get just the second dose if they've had chicken pox when they were younger.

What would you do?

[NikeS 49]

Telling the doctor you have had chickenpox is often times enough. I did my medical in the US for adjustment of status and the requirements MAY be the same. If they run antibody titers for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella and Syphillis then those will support your claim. I told the doctor I had chickenpox years ago and was immunized for MMR, he took my word for it and the Varicella antibody test confirmed my immunity. However, my immunity for Mumps was low so he had me take another MMR vaccine before signing off on my medicals. I hope this helps.

Edited October 20, 2014 by NikeS

[Soapies 18]

Ty for the reply

I'm going to *try* again and get some sort of proof of diagnosis from my Dr. tomorrow. I mean, surely they have a piece of paper in their paper folder that says this stuff. This would have been before offices stored documents on computers...

If that doesn't work, I'll have to use my word. I think it was an antibody titer that my Dr sent me to get. She checked off measles, mumps, rubella and varicella on the form. My biggest concern for that is that well 1. it was unnecessary for this part of my visa process because I have proof of my MMR shots when I was a kid, and 2. I'm sure there's a diagnosis letter somewhere of chicken pox. And that would have been fine for the physician.

And now if these results come back and I've for some reason lost immunity to any of this. It'll go straight to public health and I will be forced to re-do these shots before my visa is approved.

I kind of feel like I shot myself in the foot. But of course, I'm letting my anxiety and irrational thoughts rule over me.

Edited October 21, 2014 by Soapies

[Ontarkie 14,221]

Verbal deceleration of chicken pox is all you need. I was asked how old I was but I couldn't remember. My kids I was able to tell them at what age they were since they had it all at the same time.

[Soapies 18]

Oh my gosh thank you! I don't even need a diagnosis letter? I'd love to not bother my Drs office anymore!

What about this testing for immunity though? Have I actually shot myself in the foot? My Dr told me the results will go straight to public health. Will they look at this? I mean I might still be immune to it all but ... I prepare for the worst ...

[Ontarkie 14,221]

No letter was needed for chicken pox.

If the result come in before your appointment you can mention you no longer have immunity if that is the case they will want you to go get the vax for it then you would just fax them when you get it. I had to send them proof my youngest got his Hep B, somehow I didn't think of that shot for him.

[Soapies 18]

Oooh what a relief. Thank you soo much I so badly want to be with my fiance for christmas. A delay isn't thaaaat bad but the littlest things send me in a huge panic.