Visa Medicals no longer requiring urine sample for over 24 year olds, blood for over 44 year olds.

[JoeBacon 27]

I had my medical today at Visa Medicals in London for a spousal visa. I just wanted to pass on some information that I was told whilst there. 

 

Depending on your age it seems they are no longer requiring certain tests. Specifically, those over the age of 24 no longer need to give urine and those over 44 no longer need to give blood as well.

 

I'm assuming this means they are no longer testing those over 24 for Gonorrhea/Chlamydia and those over 44 for HIV/Syphilis, although I'm not sure of the actual reasons for this.

 

Just wanted to pass on the information to those who are yet to have their medical, they said yesterday was the first day of this new policy.

[Crazy Cat 41,599]

Sounds extremely odd to me.  

@Jorgedig

Edited September 4, 2021 by Crazy Cat

[JoeBacon 27]

Yes it certainly took me by surprise, they didn't give any explanation as to why, just said they no longer require giving these samples. They still did all other tests including chest x-ray and eyesight etc.

 

Like I said I can only speculate as to the reasons, just wante to pass on the experience I had.

 

I would be curious to hear from anyone else who had their medical in London in the last few days, see if they were told the same thing?

[Wuozopo 4,293]

@JoeBacon

 

Did they ask for proof of Covid vaccination? 

[JoeBacon 27]

No they didn't, the only thing they asked was if I'd had a COVID vaccination in the last 7 days as I think that means they cannot administer the other vaccinations if you are still recovering from the COVID one.

[DaisyJ 35]

7 hours ago, JoeBacon said:

I had my medical today at Visa Medicals in London for a spousal visa. I just wanted to pass on some information that I was told whilst there. 

 

Depending on your age it seems they are no longer requiring certain tests. Specifically, those over the age of 24 no longer need to give urine and those over 44 no longer need to give blood as well.

 

I'm assuming this means they are no longer testing those over 24 for Gonorrhea/Chlamydia and those over 44 for HIV/Syphilis, although I'm not sure of the actual reasons for this.

 

Just wanted to pass on the information to those who are yet to have their medical, they said yesterday was the first day of this new policy.

This is really interesting / strange as I had my medical not even two weeks ago and I had to do a urine sample (28 yrs old here). Weird how quickly things can change!

[JonnyB 17]

I had my medical on Tuesday 2nd September at Visa Medical - Over 50 years old!

I HAD to provide blood and urine.  Told the blood would be sent away and takes 2 days to be tested.

I made a joke about them taking the blood and having enough blood recepticals when every other hospital/doctor's surgury can't get them because of Covid shortages - see recent news reports.

 

Might is simply be that they've run out of collection recepticals like everyone else in the UK???

Edited September 4, 2021 by JonnyB
Spelling mistake

[JonnyB 17]

4 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

@JoeBacon

 

Did they ask for proof of Covid vaccination? 

Oh yes...and every other vacination.

I've also been trying to get Tetanus booster from my GP - told NHS doesn't do routine tenanus boosters!  Although if I'd said I'd cut myself a few days ago (or had) you can have one free at A&E if you can stand the wait.

Similarly the MMR which again GP's office said NHS doesn't do for adults - although a friend who's a GP said you can press them for adult MMR if you haven't ever had one, depend on your doctor.  Mine's a scrooge obviuosly and refused.

Had my Tet and MMR on the day at the Visa Medical place for the charge.  One in each arm. lol!

[JonnyB 17]

I had my medical on Tuesday 2nd September at Visa Medical - over 50 year old!

 

I HAD to provide blood and urine.  Told the blood would be sent away and takes 2 days to be tested.  I made a joke about them taking the blood and having enough blood recepticals when every other hospital/doctor's surgury can't get them because of Covid shortages - see recent news reports.

 

Might is simply be that they've run out of collection recepticals like everyone else in the UK???

[JoeBacon 27]

Yeah they said that yesterday (3rd Sept) was the first day of this change, I think it must be a policy change as I'm sure they wouldn't run out of things to put urine in right? Also the age thing confused me, I guess the STDs they are looking for are less prevalent in older people or something?

 

Hopefully somebody else will report back on their recent medical soon, to say if they experienced the same thing. I did confirm it a few times as it seemed odd, they were very insistent that these samples were no longer required based on age.

[danb1978 15]

11 hours ago, JonnyB said:

Oh yes...and every other vacination.

I've also been trying to get Tetanus booster from my GP - told NHS doesn't do routine tenanus boosters!  Although if I'd said I'd cut myself a few days ago (or had) you can have one free at A&E if you can stand the wait.

Similarly the MMR which again GP's office said NHS doesn't do for adults - although a friend who's a GP said you can press them for adult MMR if you haven't ever had one, depend on your doctor.  Mine's a scrooge obviuosly and refused.

Had my Tet and MMR on the day at the Visa Medical place for the charge.  One in each arm. lol!

Thats strange as i asked my GP for Tetanus and MMR a few weeks ago and i was able to receive the jabs without any issue. It must vary from practice to practice maybe. I told them it was for my visa and they just let me have the jabs straight away. 

[Wuozopo 4,293]

I believe Covid vaccination requirement starts on October 1 for immigrant visas and adjustment of status. according to a article I read.  
 

October 1 also marks the beginning of flu season. For those planning the medical exam, an appointment in September will allow you to have the flu jab waived for the reason “not flu season”.  Exams conducted 1-Oct to 31-Mar will require immunisation for influenza. 
 

 

[JonnyB 17]

13 hours ago, danb1978 said:

Thats strange as i asked my GP for Tetanus and MMR a few weeks ago and i was able to receive the jabs without any issue. It must vary from practice to practice maybe. I told them it was for my visa and they just let me have the jabs straight away. 

...pretty jealous of you right now!  The staff at my practice were complete pigs.  Completely put me through the ringer, used every excuse, pathetic.  Wish my experience had been like yours.

[Tristesse 17]

I'm 49 and did have to give both samples in June but thought it was odd that the doctor didn't examine me closely as it were, because some lassie had posted a different experience recently.

 

Do they knock any money off their price then? 🤔

[Johah 25]

I confirm - no bloods, no urine for oldies. Nurse said it is a new policy. I do not feel too old, but not going to complain