The Visa Medical Thread

[WoodlandsFamily 13]

On 9/13/2024 at 6:46 AM, SL2024 said:

@WoodlandsFamily did you manage to look into or sort out the Covid vaccine booster for your children who are under 12?

Hi, no not yet. I asked several places including Boots and some private London clinics and they all said The UK doesn't have the regulation to provide under 12s with covid vaccines anymore. Over 12 fine, costs about £95 but they said you can't get one in the UK at the moment for a child under 12. Not sure what I am gonna do...the medical may have the answer hopefully when I get to that part! 😅 

[SL2024 80]

6 hours ago, WoodlandsFamily said:

Hi, no not yet. I asked several places including Boots and some private London clinics and they all said The UK doesn't have the regulation to provide under 12s with covid vaccines anymore. Over 12 fine, costs about £95 but they said you can't get one in the UK at the moment for a child under 12. Not sure what I am gonna do...the medical may have the answer hopefully when I get to that part! 😅 

Is it possible to get the Covid Vaccine booster for under 12’s in the USA at all? I have read that some of the Covid vaccinations are suitable for 6 months and older but I don’t know if they are doing vaccinations for under 12’s over there.

 

Might be worth asking at the medical though.

[appleblossom 2,816]

14 hours ago, WoodlandsFamily said:

Hi, no not yet. I asked several places including Boots and some private London clinics and they all said The UK doesn't have the regulation to provide under 12s with covid vaccines anymore. Over 12 fine, costs about £95 but they said you can't get one in the UK at the moment for a child under 12. Not sure what I am gonna do...the medical may have the answer hopefully when I get to that part! 😅 

 

If it's not available it'll be waived. 

[Melancholic Mage 115]

On 9/11/2024 at 5:25 PM, tunaqueen25 said:

Hey! I know this probably isn’t the correct thread to post, but would you be willing to post somewhere about your interview experience? It was today right? I’ve kept up with your posts because they're quite informative! Hope you had a good interview!!!

 

Hello tunaqueen25, you can find my embassy review right here.

 

I might make an embassy thread to coincide with my medical one as my biggest gripe throughout the process was being able to find actual detailed experience of each visa step, not just rough information, as well as being able to ask follow-up questions to those who went through each stage.

 

Regardless, I hope this helps. And thank you so much for noting some of my posts: I put a lot of effort into some of them and honestly it can be exhausting when they don't get any kind of thank you so, well, thank you.

Edited September 17 by Melancholic Mage

[tunaqueen25 18]

19 hours ago, Melancholic Mage said:

 

Hello tunaqueen25, you can find my embassy review right here.

 

I might make an embassy thread to coincide with my medical one as my biggest gripe throughout the process was being able to find actual detailed experience of each visa step, not just rough information, as well as being able to ask follow-up questions to those who went through each stage.

 

Regardless, I hope this helps. And thank you so much for noting some of my posts: I put a lot of effort into some of them and honestly it can be exhausting when they don't get any kind of thank you so, well, thank you.

Thank you for redirecting me to your embassy review!!! The thoroughness is incredibly helpful. Was very relieved as well to read that you only needed the 1st dose of the hep b vax. My husband has a couple vaxxes he needs that are a series and although I knew he would only need the first one, it’s comforting to know that it’s actually practiced as such. Have you moved already or awaiting your flight? Would also love to hear your experience crossing the border for the first time!

Edited September 17 by tunaqueen25

[Melancholic Mage 115]

Thanks @tunaqueen25, he'll definitely be okay with the one Hepatitis jab. I expected them to be more strict, which they are in a way given the requirements, but the nurse was lovely and put me very much at ease. The fact she takes if you had Chickenpox or not as a child by your word is relief alone. They're very much willing to help if you miss anything and she told me it's near routine for people to attend their medical without an up to date Covid shot/booster. They send a lot of people around to Boots to get the jab then have them come back the same day.

 

It would be better if USCIS updated their information online though because as I'm sure you know it's about as clear as mud sometimes. It answers one question then leaves a further ten unanswered. Or worse, makes more questions.

 

My one-way flight is currently booked for October 1st. I'm ever so slightly bricking it. But more so in trying to get my accounts in order in the UK. It's honestly not the smooth sailing I thought it would be. 

[banang 2]

Hi All, if I don't have vaccine records, do they do blood test to check the antibodies and suggest which vaccine is required? Thanks

[Melancholic Mage 115]

3 hours ago, banang said:

Hi All, if I don't have vaccine records, do they do blood test to check the antibodies and suggest which vaccine is required? Thanks

 

Hi Benang, I don't believe so. They want to see a full GP summary/patient care record so they can assess which vaccines you've had and which ones you haven't. They worked their way down that list with my own medical. The few I was missing were administered to me then and there for a fee. 

 

They do not give Covid boosters/vaccinations and will send you away to another clinic or a Boots store close by to get one. The only blood test I know of is one taken by the doctor there and it's mainly to check for any serious conditions - not antibodies.

 

If you have no vaccination records at all, I doubt you will get past the receptionist as it's a listed requirement. 

[banang 2]

@Melancholic Mage Thanks, is Covid booster still required? My last booster was 1.5 years ago. Are the children under 10 still required? do you know? Thank you.

[Melancholic Mage 115]

@banang Here is what I was given to me directly from Visa Medicals and is also what they follow in terms of CDC requirements:

 

https://www.cdc.gov/immigrant-refugee-health/media/pdfs/Vaccine-Requirements-According-to-Applicant-Age-panel-physicians-p.pdf

 

If your Covid jab was over 6 months ago, yes, you will need another one. You can pay Boots for one who will give you a vaccination slip with the date, time, and dose with batch ID listed. They will accept this. 

 

If you have not finished your two dose 'course' of jabs for Covid immunity, you will have to do this to fulfil requirements. If you have had zero Covid jabs, you will have to get two or the jab that is a designed single shot to be classed as protected. Otherwise, it's boosters from here on out. 

 

Children's ages are listed here. I don't have much knowledge on children and their requirements as I have yet to have any, but they will follow this sheet. Hope this helps. 

[banang 2]

1 hour ago, Melancholic Mage said:

@banang Here is what I was given to me directly from Visa Medicals and is also what they follow in terms of CDC requirements:

 

https://www.cdc.gov/immigrant-refugee-health/media/pdfs/Vaccine-Requirements-According-to-Applicant-Age-panel-physicians-p.pdf

 

If your Covid jab was over 6 months ago, yes, you will need another one. You can pay Boots for one who will give you a vaccination slip with the date, time, and dose with batch ID listed. They will accept this. 

 

If you have not finished your two dose 'course' of jabs for Covid immunity, you will have to do this to fulfil requirements. If you have had zero Covid jabs, you will have to get two or the jab that is a designed single shot to be classed as protected. Otherwise, it's boosters from here on out. 

 

Children's ages are listed here. I don't have much knowledge on children and their requirements as I have yet to have any, but they will follow this sheet. Hope this helps. 

Thank you very much. This is very helpful. 😀

[Susan278 1]

On 8/10/2024 at 6:32 AM, Melancholic Mage said:

I just had my required medical examination two days ago and thought I'd write down my whole experience as well as make a thread regarding anyone's questions about it.

 

Travel:

 

I travelled by train to London, Kings Cross station and decided to walk my way to the medical centre. The walk took around 35-40 minutes or so to 4 Bentinck Mansions which is across the street from The Coach Makers Arms pub, to help those locate it in future. You're required to ring the buzzer of Flat 4 to be allowed entry into the medical - as instructed by a sign outside. As I arrived earlier, I made a quick cut through a back street and huddled into a small Costa Coffee while I waited. A gentleman who had left the building earlier asked if I was there for my medical and advised me to go inside within 10-15 minutes of my appointment time as there is limited seating, so I returned within 15 minutes.

 

I buzzed to let them know of my appointment and was allowed entry. There's a few steps that lead into the building's ground floor, with a lift dead-centre and stairs going further up into the building. Ignore these as the medical clinic is the first door on your right.

 

Reception:

 

There's two windows on the right-hand side wall with two receptionists behind. They asked me for my name, appointment time, then asked me to provide all required documents. I had actually compartmentalised my paperwork which actually worked against me so my advice would be just to stick all your documents into one folder to save time. The receptionist will also ask for your passport before sifting through your documents and taking photocopies where needed.

 

I was then told to stand in the far corner where there's a small stool and a square white plaque on the wall to have my picture taken. Depending on your visa type, you may or may not be required to do this. (I had brought passport photos of myself but they still took a digital picture.) I was then instructed to wait in their seating area after all my documents checked out. (On their visa medical form you must fill out prior to your appointment I noted that I didn't know my current height or weight and as such left blank. The receptionist told me this was fine and the doctor would complete this for me after taking readings.)

 

Waiting Area:

 

The building is a converted Victorian manor house given the high ceilings and the fireplace in the waiting area. There wasn't much seating available and it was busier than I expected. I would say the room held maybe 20 chairs tops. There was a small station with drinking water, but most of it was empty. I thankfully brought my own water bottle which I would advise others to do as well. I didn't have long to wait before I was called in for my X-Ray.

 

X-Ray:

 

The radiologist introduced themselves and told me go to a small corner where there was a curtain and chair for my belongings. I was told to draw the curtain, remove my top, and wear a gown that was given to me. There were two hairclips on a small shelf with a mirror and I was instructed to pin my hair up for the X-Ray - this will be required for anyone with hair on or below their shoulders. Afterwards, I was told to press my chest front-first against a black panel and push my shoulders forward. It took a few seconds for the radiologist to take my results. I was then told to re-dress behind the curtain and to keep the gown as I would need it for the doctors assessment. I was then told to return to the waiting room. Painless.

 

Doctor's Assessment:

 

Honestly the most uncomfortable part of the whole process.

 

I was waiting for maybe another 15 - 20 minutes before my name was called again. I was taken into a different room with a seat by a window and another seat by a desk where the doctor sat. They had my previously given GP health records and asked me some basic questions: if I ever smoked, ever took drugs, any medication I was currently on... They asked if I had ever been hospitalised or had any kind of chronic disease. They were very thorough with my records and even pointed out a diagnosis I had completely forgot to mention to them. (Fibromyalgia: so used to living with it now I don't even think about it much.) They took some time to go over my Mental Health history which I won't delve into here but I do have a significant past without major hospitalisation/sectioning. I have no idea of the outcome of this. I was simply honest and straightforward with my answers and just have my fingers crossed it was sufficient enough. I did have an accompanying letter by my therapist and a small sheet detailing my diagnosis.

 

They took my weight (Five Guys), took my height (Hobbit), then asked me to go to the medical bed behind them and remove my clothes behind the curtain except for my underwear. I was told to wear my gown once more but to wear it as I would a dressing gown - the front open. They examined my lymph nodes, listened to my heart, listened to my lungs as I was instructed to breathe in and out, then poked and prodded at my legs, arms, and my stomach. This felt like they were digging pits into my ribs. Was highly uncomfortable to the point of pain, but could also be exasperated by my Fibromyalgia condition. They then drew blood from my arm and told me to redress behind the curtain. I left my gown with them and that was that. Back into the waiting room I went.

 

Vaccination Nurse:

 

After more waiting my name was once more called and I was taken into a final room. This one was small, stuffed with filing cabinets and a desk. The nurse glanced over my vaccination records. The only one I was missing was the Hepatitis B vaccination which they advised I could get done elsewhere, or get it done with them in the room. I opted for the latter. They asked which arm I wanted vaccinated, brushed down my skin, gave me a quick jab and popped a plaster over. Done and dusted. 

 

I feel it important to note my GP (who is terrible) told me I would need three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine, with two weeks between each jab, costing £30 for each to be fully covered. They aIso told me I only had 2/5 Polio vaccinations and that I would need more to be fully covered. They did give me a Tetanus jab for free however covered by the NHS which was needed for the medical - Visa Medicals DO charge for this. This particular nurse at my usual practice was dithering and didn't instill any confidence in me so I declined and decided to see what Visa Medicals wanted which was the best call. My two Polio vaccinations were enough in the past, and the Hep B jab was one dose at £40. I didn't need three. So actually saved a little bit of money for once.

 

They gave me a vaccination sheet with the additional cost of the extra vaccination I took, then I was done. I returned to reception.

 

Final Result and Notes:

 

The receptionist triple-checked I had my X-Ray, seen the Doctor, and the Nurse, before she took my vaccination sheet off me with the cost. She returned my passport, my documents, and all that was left was to pay the bill. Please note they DO NOT ACCEPT AMERICAN EXPRESS. Something to keep in mind as there were notices making this clear as well as the receptionist triple-checking that I wasn't trying to pay via AMEX. Paid by card, took my receipt, gathered all my documents plus some new additional ones with my vaccination results for the embassy, and that was it. I was back out into the London smog.

 

Overall I was there for about 2 hours. It didn't feel like it took this long as there's reasonable gaps between each session you undergo with the radiologist, doctor, and nurse, but that was how much time had passed when I stepped back outside. Another thing to note is there doesn't seem to be an order in who you see. Some people appeared to be called to the nurse first. Others the doctor. For me it was in the order listed here.

 

There is a toilet in the building but it was constantly engaged. I would advise trying to use a toilet in a cafe or restaurant before going inside to save you the headache as I thankfully did. The place was surprisingly busy and a little cramped. Be prepared to sit through crying babies and more than a few children running around and swinging off chairs. It wasn't unbearably loud however, just something to keep in mind.

 

If anyone has any questions I'll do my best to answer them but hope this helps others through the process and the nerves of the medical.

Thanks for this.  It is super helpful.  I have just made my appointment for 21st January.  I was super lucky and managed to get the 8.50am appointment, which I am hoping means that there won't be so much sitting around as it appears to be the first appointment of the day (plus they only open at 8.40am).

I have my vaccination details together and the only one it appears that I need (other than covid and flu jabs) is the MMR, which I am adamant that I had when I lived in New Zealand as a child but I have no documentary evidence other than the scar on my arm.  Does anyone happen to know if this is one they can do antibody check for as I would rather not have that if I don't need to.

Thanks in advance

[SL2024 80]

I’m not aware of them doing antibody tests at all. 
 

I would advise you to call them and ask them about it though. I found them very helpful with any queries I had. 

[Susan278 1]

51 minutes ago, SL2024 said:

I’m not aware of them doing antibody tests at all. 
 

I would advise you to call them and ask them about it though. I found them very helpful with any queries I had. 

The receptionist I spoke to yesterday deflected me saying I could discuss with the vaccination nurse when I see them

[banang 2]

1 hour ago, Susan278 said:

Thanks for this.  It is super helpful.  I have just made my appointment for 21st January.  I was super lucky and managed to get the 8.50am appointment, which I am hoping means that there won't be so much sitting around as it appears to be the first appointment of the day (plus they only open at 8.40am).

I have my vaccination details together and the only one it appears that I need (other than covid and flu jabs) is the MMR, which I am adamant that I had when I lived in New Zealand as a child but I have no documentary evidence other than the scar on my arm.  Does anyone happen to know if this is one they can do antibody check for as I would rather not have that if I don't need to.

Thanks in advance

You can contact your GP to get MMR for free and will be done quickly. When is your interview date? How long does it take to receive the Interview invitation letter after Document qualified?