Immunization Records for Canadians

[cyyz2000 24]

Hi, we're going to be attending our medical likely in the next couple months and just want to make sure we have everything needed. I just realized though that my parents (who were born in India but now live in Canada) don't have their immunization records. Does this mean they will need to receive all the necessary vaccines prior to attending the medical? We live in the Greater Toronto Area btw, if that helps. 

 

Thanks! 

[cyyz2000 24]

1 minute ago, cyyz2000 said:

Hi, we're going to be attending our medical likely in the next couple months and just want to make sure we have everything needed. I just realized though that my parents (who were born in India but now live in Canada) don't have their immunization records. Does this mean they will need to receive all the necessary vaccines prior to attending the medical? We live in the Greater Toronto Area btw, if that helps. 

 

Thanks! 

Also, we plan on attending Dr. Ian Zatzman's office in Vaughan as we've heard good reviews from them. I'm assuming this is the official list of vaccines needed. Does anyone know if their office gives vaccines that haven't been received or documented? 

[Ontarkie 14,234]

Have your parents get a titers test done. It's a simple blood test and that will show what they still have antibodies for. Then they can get the ones they need for the medical. Usually it's Tdap, MMR and chicken pox. For Chicken pox if they had them as a child they just need to tell them that and the year roughly. Make sure you look at the required list as it is age specific so some vaccines for someone under 18 they would not need. 

[cyyz2000 24]

20 minutes ago, Ontarkie said:

Have your parents get a titers test done. It's a simple blood test and that will show what they still have antibodies for. Then they can get the ones they need for the medical. Usually it's Tdap, MMR and chicken pox. For Chicken pox if they had them as a child they just need to tell them that and the year roughly. Make sure you look at the required list as it is age specific so some vaccines for someone under 18 they would not need. 

Okay perfect, this is also what I found on other forums too. I think the other two were COVID and influenza (which I think is only needed during flu season). I'll tell them to get that test done. Thanks! 

[Ontarkie 14,234]

1 minute ago, cyyz2000 said:

Okay perfect, this is also what I found on other forums too. I think the other two were COVID and influenza (which I think is only needed during flu season). I'll tell them to get that test done. Thanks! 

Ah yes I forgot about those two. Good thing you already looked into it. The test would be covered and then they can get the shots with their family doctor or health clinic should be no cost. Some of the immigration clinics do not offer vaccines and the ones that do will charge an arm and a leg if you need shots. 

[oscarrifici 10]

On 5/8/2022 at 7:48 PM, Ontarkie said:

Ah yes I forgot about those two. Good thing you already looked into it. The test would be covered and then they can get the shots with their family doctor or health clinic should be no cost. Some of the immigration clinics do not offer vaccines and the ones that do will charge an arm and a leg if you need shots. 

I find it different from where you're getting your medical exam. Not sure which one to follow

Vancouver(http://www.drcheema.ca/)64 YEARS

• Tdap (Adacel or Boosterix) - ensure you get Tdap not just Td
• MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella. ("MR" and "MM" are not enough. You need MMR)
• * MMR needed only for those applicants born in or after 1957.
• Varicella - If you had "Chicken Pox" disease, no vaccine is needed
• Influenza (only required during October - February, annually)

Ontario (https://immigrationphysician.ca/u-s-visa-exams)

• Tetanus (Td or Tdap)- record of up to date vaccination (within the last 10 years)
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) - record of 2 vaccinations, proof of immunity, or recent (within 1 month) booster ( MMR not required if born in 1956 or earlier)
• Varicella (chicken pox) - history of chicken pox, proof of immunity, or record of vaccination
• Hepatitis B (age 18-59) - record of completed series, proof of immunity, or recent (within 1 month) vaccination
• Influenza (Flushot) - during flu season - October to March 
• Covid-19 vaccine - completed series (approved by WHO or FDA) 

Another question, do we need to do this before going to the medical appoinment? Thanks for the reply!

[cyyz2000 24]

11 hours ago, oscarrifici said:

I find it different from where you're getting your medical exam. Not sure which one to follow

Vancouver(http://www.drcheema.ca/)64 YEARS

• Tdap (Adacel or Boosterix) - ensure you get Tdap not just Td
• MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella. ("MR" and "MM" are not enough. You need MMR)
• * MMR needed only for those applicants born in or after 1957.
• Varicella - If you had "Chicken Pox" disease, no vaccine is needed
• Influenza (only required during October - February, annually)

Ontario (https://immigrationphysician.ca/u-s-visa-exams)

• Tetanus (Td or Tdap)- record of up to date vaccination (within the last 10 years)
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) - record of 2 vaccinations, proof of immunity, or recent (within 1 month) booster ( MMR not required if born in 1956 or earlier)
• Varicella (chicken pox) - history of chicken pox, proof of immunity, or record of vaccination
• Hepatitis B (age 18-59) - record of completed series, proof of immunity, or recent (within 1 month) vaccination
• Influenza (Flushot) - during flu season - October to March 
• Covid-19 vaccine - completed series (approved by WHO or FDA) 

Another question, do we need to do this before going to the medical appoinment? Thanks for the reply!

The "Ontario" one is the most updated one. Hepatitis B (ages 18-59) was added a couple months ago. COVID-19 is also required now. Influenza isn't required at the moment (flu season only). Definitely get a titers test to see which ones you are already immune to. 

 

And yes, it's recommended that you have them done before the medical appointment because some offices might not have the vaccines available, but if they do, they will charge you a LOT. In our case, my parents didn't have the Hepatitis B vaccine and instead opted to get it from their local doctors office after the medical. 

[Ontarkie 14,234]

13 hours ago, oscarrifici said:

I find it different from where you're getting your medical exam. Not sure which one to follow

Vancouver(http://www.drcheema.ca/)64 YEARS

• Tdap (Adacel or Boosterix) - ensure you get Tdap not just Td
• MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella. ("MR" and "MM" are not enough. You need MMR)
• * MMR needed only for those applicants born in or after 1957.
• Varicella - If you had "Chicken Pox" disease, no vaccine is needed
• Influenza (only required during October - February, annually)

Ontario (https://immigrationphysician.ca/u-s-visa-exams)

• Tetanus (Td or Tdap)- record of up to date vaccination (within the last 10 years)
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) - record of 2 vaccinations, proof of immunity, or recent (within 1 month) booster ( MMR not required if born in 1956 or earlier)
• Varicella (chicken pox) - history of chicken pox, proof of immunity, or record of vaccination
• Hepatitis B (age 18-59) - record of completed series, proof of immunity, or recent (within 1 month) vaccination
• Influenza (Flushot) - during flu season - October to March 
• Covid-19 vaccine - completed series (approved by WHO or FDA) 

Another question, do we need to do this before going to the medical appoinment? Thanks for the reply!

As Cyyz mentioned the Ontario is the most recent update go by that one. 

Yes you need to have them done before the medical. Some offices give vaccines but they will charge you.  Most others do not offer vaccines and will not release your medical until you fax them proof that you did indeed get the required vaccines. If you go to your own doctor or Health Unit most are covered. 

[ClemsonC 62]

Don’t you just need a verbal confirmation that you have had chicken pox?

[cyyz2000 24]

26 minutes ago, ClemsonC said:

Don’t you just need a verbal confirmation that you have had chicken pox?

Yes, I believe so. The medical examiner I visited in Scarborough, ON took a verbal for chicken pox.