How the HECK do I get my immunization record?

[Misty1979 0]

Still trying to book my medical, so today I decided to start trying to get a hold of my immunization records. I walked over to the medical laboratory and asked them if they could do a Titres test, and they told me that they couldn't unless I had a doctors note, and that I should call CRD to try to get a hold of my records.

I called CRD, and they told me to call my family doctor.

I called my family doctor, and they informed me they would attempt to look, but they doubted they would find anything, and would give me a call in a couple days.

I was immunized for Chicken pox August 22/2005 (don't have it written anywhere, but I know from memory,) and the only other shots I have had were whatever they gave me in school when I wasn't playing hookie.

Anyways, I researched a little and found the below posts a bit helpful (thanks Misa and Stacey33!!) But now I'm mostly just curious what kind of antibodies do I need them to search for if I finally manage to get a Titres test?

Thanks for any replies, and sorry for all the questions lately

I was told that public health (in Toronto) destroyed mine after I turned 18. My doctor requested them to search for me and nothing came up.

I went to my local Health Unit, they no longer had my records.

I just went to the Medicentre and told the Doctor I needed to get a Titres test. He sent me to the Lab to get one. They will check for Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Tetnus. My results came back and I showed low on a few things. I went back to health unit and had all my shots redone. I went for another Titres a few days ago and am waiting for the new results.

When you go for your Medical the Doctor will take Oral Testimony if you have had Chicken Pox.

If you are unsure where your records would be, you can always try phoning the Junior High School you went to. Did you get your shots at school? They will know who does the shots and where they go.

[Misty1979 0]

Oooh I just found this link: http://www.panelphysicians.com/Pages/Age6.htm which tells me what immunizations I need, yay! Going to head to the walk in clinic right now and see if I can get a doctor's note requesting a Titres test. Last question: If they do a Titres test, and I am already immunized for some of these shots I need, do they give me some kind of official letter that will be accepted at the medical stating that I have been vaccinated and that I don't need the shot?

Thanks again!

[MissStacey 1]

The Titres will show everything you are good for. Bring them the list of what you want to be checked for. MMR- Measles Mumps Rubella, TB- Tuberculosis, Chicken Pox is optional- the Civil surgeons in Canada and the US will take oral testimony you have had the Chicken Pox.

The results from the Lab will show if you are immune. I came up low immunity on a few things and had all my shots redone at the Heath Unit. It was covered under my Alberta Health care.

Edited July 5, 2007 by Stacey33

[Lance27 19]

Agreed. The lab results are good enough proof. Your family doctor will be able to tell you if you have low antibody counts. The lab messed up my results and only tested for Rubella and not the others and since I was to go to my medical with no hope of getting the lab results in time (takes 2 to 3 weeks) I just ended up taking all the shots.

[Misty1979 0]

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!! I'm frustrated now to the point of tears. After all the phone calls and the wild goose chases today, I went to the walk in clinic with the list of immunizations needed and requested a titre for immigration purposes.

The doctor then told me that getting a titre for any of those is ridiculous and costs money. (To me or to the health department, I'm not sure, but I would have gladly payed.)

I had MMR, Tetanus, Diptheria, Hepatitis B and Influenza written down. She said I cannot get a titre for any of them and now have to call the city in which I was raised and start over grilling them instead. She gave me a Tetanus shot and a card showing I've now been immunized for it (gee thanks), but I still have no idea how to get the rest of it.

I don't understand how everyone else was able to get a titres done so easily, yet they are putting me through hell over such a simple request. I really don't even know what to do now. My family doctor in the city I grew up in no longer lives there, and I don't even think the school would keep records of the immunizations they give you.

All I can think to do now is call my family doc tomorrow and book an appointment and get all the shots re-done and risk having a reaction to them since I probably have them all already.

*sigh* The things we do for love....

Edited July 5, 2007 by Misty1979

[MissStacey 1]

You walk in, say you want it and say it is covered by Provincial Heath Care. They said something about it costing money when I had to get my second Titres (a month after my new shots) I said no, it is covered by Alberta Health Care and she said ok. I never paid a cent.

I don't think you need Influenza or Hep unless you are in a certain age group.

Edited July 5, 2007 by Stacey33

[Misty1979 0]

You walk in, say you want it and say it is covered by Provincial Heath Care. They said something about it costing money when I had to get my second Titres (a month after my new shots) I said no, it is covered by Alberta Health Care and she said ok. I never paid a cent.

I don't think you need Influenza or Hep unless you are in a certain age group.

Ok. Did you go to a walk in clinic, family doc or a Medical lab?

Ooh and you're right, I just re-read the info and influenza is only for 50+years old, and Hepatitis for 19 years and younger.

If all that is correct, all I need now is MMR.

Screw it. I'm going to the other walk in clinic down the street. They are going to titre me or face some serious Canadian Rage.

Edited July 5, 2007 by Misty1979

[MissStacey 1]

That is a good girl

Canadian rage comes in handy- I went to the Medicentre- just walk in and tell them" I need to be sent to the Lab for a Titres test for MMR and TB. Thanks."

Edited July 5, 2007 by Stacey33

[trailmix 77]

I don't think you need Influenza or Hep unless you are in a certain age group.

That's correct from what I have read:

• Hepatitis B vaccine required through 19 years of age.

• Influenza vaccine required for those 50 years of age or older

Evidence of Immunity

Laboratory evidence of immunity is acceptable for the following diseases: measles, rubella,

mumps, hepatitis B, polio, and varicella (normally not necessary unless a history of varicella is questionable).

I found this here - Technical Instructions to Panel Physicians for Vaccination Requirements (revised December 2002) http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/pdf/ti-03/ti-iz-cs-clrd.pdf

- which I found by going here http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/panel.htm

Hope this helps, sorry to hear you got the run around!

[Lance27 19]

You do not get a reaction from taking the booster shots if you have already had them before. If they give you a hard time to do the tests just get the MMR booster and you are all set. I found getting the shots were a lot simpler and faster than doing the titres tests.

[Misty1979 0]

Finally! Got the form from the MUCH nicer doc at the other walk-in clinic. Tomorrow I'll stop by the lab and get the tests done and over with.

Thanks so much for your help guys!!!

Oh...just noticed you said TB, I didn't see that on the form for recquired immunizations:(

Edited July 5, 2007 by Misty1979

[Caladan 19]

If you can, arrange for the titres on your own; don't have the doctor you see for the medical do them. Why? Because if the doctor who does the medical orders the titres, the titires, as C. and I just discovered, count as the property of the U.S. government, which means you won't get a copy.

Which means when it comes time to adjust status, you'll have to get them re-done all over again because you won't have anything written down that says you've had the medical exam with vaccinations. So if you can get them done somewhere independently so you're the owner of your records, I'd recommend that.

[Misty1979 0]

If you can, arrange for the titres on your own; don't have the doctor you see for the medical do them. Why? Because if the doctor who does the medical orders the titres, the titires, as C. and I just discovered, count as the property of the U.S. government, which means you won't get a copy.

Which means when it comes time to adjust status, you'll have to get them re-done all over again because you won't have anything written down that says you've had the medical exam with vaccinations. So if you can get them done somewhere independently so you're the owner of your records, I'd recommend that.

Thanks, luckily I've decided to stick with the CR-1 route so won't have to worry about adjusting status when I finally do arrive in the US.

I'm still confused about this whole TB thing though. Are we talking TB as in tuberculosis, or was that a mistype for Td (Tetanus Diphtheria?)

I have the tetanus shot, but not TB...hoping I don't need that one too now!

(I do see a little spot on the lab form where I *could* just pencil in TB titer as well, if that was needed.)Not saying I would...just saying the opportunity is there:)

Edited July 5, 2007 by Misty1979

[lynamon 0]

My doctor just gave me the MMR and the tetnus on the spot .. they didn't affect me .. I was about due for a tetnus (every 10 years anyhow) ... no blood work and no waiting for tests .. over and done with with the records to prove it

[Misty1979 0]

My doctor just gave me the MMR and the tetnus on the spot .. they didn't affect me .. I was about due for a tetnus (every 10 years anyhow) ... no blood work and no waiting for tests .. over and done with with the records to prove it

I might end up just doing that as well, now that you mention it. My boss will kill me for needing to leave work early again for another medical, but sounds like it will be worth it.

Still wondering though, does anyone know if I do need TB records?