a&o

Just want to share for others going through the K-1 process in Accra: The medicals instructions come in packet 4 (the packet with the interview date), even though the cover letter (checklist) on packet 3 states that medical info is attached (it's not). The exam includes a check-up, stool sample, chest x-ray, other labs, and HIV blood test. You also have to get the vaccinations, even though it seems like elsewhere in the world this isn't required at this stage. You can choose between Akai House in Osu and Holy Trinity Clinic in North Kaneshi. At Akai House you can do the medical exam and vaccinations but then get refered to 37 Military Hospital for the chest x-ray. At Holy Trinity you can do the exam and chest x-ray but have to do the vaccinations back at Akai House. For the HIV test, everyone must go to MedLab in Roman Ridge. We chose Holy Trinity because I've never had a good experience at the small and stuffy Akai House clinic. So far (the proof is when the reults make it to the embassy), we're glad we chose Holy Trinity. It's a nice, big building with clear instructions on lots of signs and the staff and nurses were extremely friendly. There was no wait (maybe because most people go to Akai House). Best of all, it was cheaper. At Akai House the receptionist told us it would be at least 3 million cedis for the exam, x-ray, and vaccinations. Instead, here's what we paid by going through the Trinity House/Medlab/Akai House (vaccinations) combo: med exam/x-ray/labs : 510,000 cedis HIV test: 400,000 cedis vaccinations: 990,000 cedis (total 1.9 million cedis) Apparently we still have to pay another 300,000 for the second Hep B vaccination shot, but adding that it's still less than 3 million - even including the tro tro and taxi fares! The vaccinations he had to get were Tetanus, Chicken Pox, Hepatitis B, Measles Mumps Rubella, and Polio. (According to the U.S. immigration info site, Hep B and chicken pox vaccination for those who have had chicken pox, as O has, , isn't even supposed to be required but the crabby nurse at Akai House insisted we had to do it.) Also, it's important to note that if you get the vaccinations anywhere other than Akai House the embassy won't accept it. (what a racket, eh?) So even though O had MMR and polio vaccines as a child, he had to get them again. Ugh. Also: since we did the exam at Holy Trinity and then went to Akai House for the vaccinations, they were particularly cranky with us. But luckily they don't send the vaccination certificate to the embassy. You take the vaccination record card with you. So they can't do anything to stall things. (I'm getting too paranoid, I know.) The people at Medlab for the HIV test were totally professional and nice, too. Not a long wait, either. One more note: be sure to not write anything on the medical forms when you get them. Not even your name and address, etc. The doccs have to do that. Also, bring your notification letter with the case number because that goes on the forms. And bring 3 passport photos (normal passport size, not 2x2 inch U.S. size) and your passport. Oh, and here's a kind of weird tip: be sure to be prepared to complete your stool sample at the exam. Another long day!