London Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors

[wbeem 568]

The MMR is a pretty nasty shot, with 2 to 4 days of side effects. So unless you really need it, you really don't want it. If there is no record you ever received it, ask your private doctor or the NHS about a Titers test, a blood test that determines what shots you really need.

I agree with this. My childhood immunization records were lost in a flood a few years ago. I went to my GP Surgery a month or two back to see what they had on record and none of it is on the computer system, but the Practice Nurse had a sheet signed by me and the Doctor stating that I had all my vaccinations as a child. However, because there was no copy of the book, she couldn't provide a medical confirmation that I had been given these. She said she refused to give me the MMR again as she believed there were too many risks associated with over vaccination. I went to a private Travel Clinic where they do vaccines and got my titer test done for £112 to prove the MMR and just got the Flu shot while I was there, which only cost £12. They sent me the lab results on a form and gave me a letter as well, to take to the medical.

Try searching travel clinics in your area. They are cheaper than going to a private practice, but they offer more than the NHS does. I will top up the DT as I haven't had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years and that should bring me up to date. I refused the MMR for my daughter as a child, although she had everything else separately. Separate vaccines are available privately, but they are going to cost you a lot of money. For daughter, she will get the MMR first dose just before the medical to allow her to benefit from the waiver.

There is no way around the immunizations required unless you can prove that there is a medical or moral reason why you can't have them. But there are ways to prove what you have had and other options such as timing the interval between boosters and the medical smartly.

[yuna628 9,676]

Thanks everyone. I'll get him on investigating with his GP to see what shots he's actually got and what he may still need. He's had chickenpox before, and I absolutely know he had Mumps. But I'm aware it's possible he only may have had one MMR shot and perhaps not the second one in his life so perhaps that's why he did not have immunity at the time. We don't object to vaccines personally and he doesn't know of having any bad reactions himself.

It is kind of impossible to guess exactly what the doctor at Knightsbridge will want. No, illnesses like presumed mumps are generally not reported. The exception is chickenpox which should be reported to the nurse discussing the immunization record. Having chickenpox is the only childhood disease that can be self-reported and will excuse him from the varicella shot.

The hand surgery is probably not an issue Knightsbridge would want notes on, but you can't predict what they might think. They also have no way of knowing about it other than him telling them unless there are big scars or his hand looks deformed.

MMR shot- if he has no record of vaccination, get the shot. Two shots is the requirement. If he has one on record from childhood, then get another. If he has none on record, get Dose 1 right before the medical exam. He will be given a waiver for "insufficient time interval" and never have to get Dose 2. The time interval between doses is 28 days (4 weeks) so if 28 days has not passed, they can't give another dose and mark the waiver on his form. No the vaccine is not harmful, even if he had mumps. And the vaccine is a combo for three diseases and they can't take out the mumps part. It would be difficult to find a product for separate M, M, and R as companies generally do not produce those separately.

Thanks Nich-Nick, I think this will make him feel a lot more confident in knowing what he has to do. I may suggest that perhaps he get at least a letter or notes just in case for the surgery. Can't hurt right? He does indeed have a very large scar as it needed reconstruction, thankfully still has good use of his hand.

[Cathymac 60]

Apparently there are two types of MMR you can get, one doesn't hurt at all. My practise nurse gave me the nice one and I didn't feel a thing. Unfortunately I don't know what make it is but you could ask your nurse.

[Ketsuban 1,034]

The MMR is a pretty nasty shot, with 2 to 4 days of side effects. So unless you really need it, you really don't want it. If there is no record you ever received it, ask your private doctor or the NHS about a Titers test, a blood test that determines what shots you really need.

If you do need the MMR, get it, as it protects you from diseases that can kill you as an adult. But you really don't want to repeat it if not necessary.

I had the shot when I was 15 and I don't recall any after effects >.>

[Al422 221]

Some people get hit with side effects worse than others. But MMR protects you against diesases that can kill you, so even if there were no law that says you need it, getting it is still a good idea.

I had the measles as a kid, as the MMR was not invented in time to stop that from happening. But I did get separate mumps and rubella shots, since they were both invented in time to stop me from getting those sickensses. I don't remember any side effects either.

But when my wife got the immigration mandated MMR in the Philippines, she got two days of fever and five days of cough for her reward. As for varicella, even though she had the chicken pox, she had no medical proof of that, and the clinic was not willing to take her word for it. But as luck would have it, the clinic did not have the varicella (chicken pox) vaccination in stock, so she took an inomplete. Once in the US, the Civil Surgeon did the smart thing and sent her for a TIter's test, which showed varicella immune, so that was the end of that.

She also had to get the tdap, for which she reported a sore arm and shoulder for 1/2 a day, but nothing else.

Edited October 27, 2014 by Al422

[EmN84 1]

Hi

I have booked my medical in for next week. Does anyone know roughly how long it takes? I need to book a train home but not sure what time ill get out of there.

Thanks in advance

Emma

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hi

I have booked my medical in for next week. Does anyone know roughly how long it takes? I need to book a train home but not sure what time ill get out of there.

Thanks in advance

Emma

That question was asked recently and various responses were 45 minutes, an hour, an hour and a half. Like any appointment, it depends on the time of day and how many other people are scheduled.

[katieflossom 54]

Hi all. So had my medical this morning, and thought I'd add my account of it for what it's worth! Sorry for the epic tale, want to be thorough!

Got off the tube at Oxford Circus (as came into Paddington.) Eventually found the building - there are roadworks in the area, and some footpaths closed. Also the building isn't majorly obvious, but luckily I had my trusty map.

As I approached the buzzer, two girls were coming in at the same time. Turned out they were one of the receptionists and a doctor. The doctor looked SO full of cold and was sneezing as we all entered the building together, and she was saying how ill she felt!

I was about 30 mins early for my 9.30am appointment so the receptionist (who walked in with me!) said to take a seat and to come and grab my paperwork 10 mins before my appointment time. I just sat and killed time on the internet on my phone. I went and grabbed the paper work; a small slip of paper where I had to fill in my name, email address, USA address and visa type. And a different questionnaire to the one I filled in at home. (I also took a look at the other sheets attached to see what the doc would be filling in!) Went back up to the reception, handed over my paper work, as well as my passport, copy of police certificate, vaccination history.

About 10 mins later I was called through for my chest x-ray in one room but a large chap who looked like Peter Griffin from Family Guy. Took my bra and top off behind a curtain and put a lovely blue gown on. Had to stand in the weirdest position with arms behind back on your hips, but bent at the wrists (ow!) and holding some sort of beanbag thing. It was over with quickly though. Guy put my innerds up on screen and gave nothing away on outcome. Scooped up my belongings and was told to wait in the female only waiting room.

Waiting for about 20 mins. Turns out the doc who walked in with me with the stinking cold was off home, and they had to get another doc in to cover her, so that's what the holdup was. Eventually a blonde pretty doctor called me through. Asked my to sit across from her desk. We talked through my medical history (I have luckily not had anything to note really), and the answers to the questionnaire, and signed a couple of forms.

Next was asked to take my shoes off so she could weigh and measure me. Did that, and I said I was happy as I haven't weighed myself in a while and I'd lost weight. No smile from doc so I knew I should shut up after that!

Had to stand in same spot and do eye test on the back of the door, one hand over one eye and read a line, and then reverse. My stupid body is so jetlagged (only got back from USA yesterday) that my right eye decided today was the day to go blind and I totally flunked the eye test on that eye. Doh. (I have 20-20 vision usually.) She didn't seem too concerned though or say anything about this really, so I presume it wasn't a big deal.

Next up onto the bed, had to take my socks and jeans off first. She came and examined me: got right into my gown and had a good old grope of my boobs. Then stethoscope being moved around and lots of breathing in and out. Same again on my back. Then lots of prodding of my belly organs. Then she grabbed both my arms and lots of examining my skin (I presume for evidence of self harm or drugs). She then took my blood pressure. Funnily enough she said it was on the high side of normal (shows what stress does.) I said this isn't usual for me and I'm just nervous and could she try again at the end, and she didn't mind at all. The she had a good old look at my legs and feet too. Then the gender-check! Literally just a peek down my knickers, no touching or anything at all, lasted for a split second. Then she tested my reflexes on my knees, and then drew the blood (she actually spoke out loud finally, and said "this is just to check for syphilis".) She said for me to put my clothes back on, but not any long sleeves and to lay back down for a min so she could re-do my blood pressure. That time it was fine, phew!

Came back out from around the curtain, put on my shoes. That was it. Led back out to reception. Paid my £245 and receptionist was lovely and explained timings to me. Got my form for my ROC given to me and that was that. Glad that bits done with, and if I don't hear from them in next 2 days, then blood and x-ray is normal.

[Ketsuban 1,034]

Hi all. So had my medical this morning, and thought I'd add my account of it for what it's worth! Sorry for the epic tale, want to be thorough!

Got off the tube at Oxford Circus (as came into Paddington.) Eventually found the building - there are roadworks in the area, and some footpaths closed. Also the building isn't majorly obvious, but luckily I had my trusty map.

As I approached the buzzer, two girls were coming in at the same time. Turned out they were one of the receptionists and a doctor. The doctor looked SO full of cold and was sneezing as we all entered the building together, and she was saying how ill she felt!

I was about 30 mins early for my 9.30am appointment so the receptionist (who walked in with me!) said to take a seat and to come and grab my paperwork 10 mins before my appointment time. I just sat and killed time on the internet on my phone. I went and grabbed the paper work; a small slip of paper where I had to fill in my name, email address, USA address and visa type. And a different questionnaire to the one I filled in at home. (I also took a look at the other sheets attached to see what the doc would be filling in!) Went back up to the reception, handed over my paper work, as well as my passport, copy of police certificate, vaccination history.

About 10 mins later I was called through for my chest x-ray in one room but a large chap who looked like Peter Griffin from Family Guy. Took my bra and top off behind a curtain and put a lovely blue gown on. Had to stand in the weirdest position with arms behind back on your hips, but bent at the wrists (ow!) and holding some sort of beanbag thing. It was over with quickly though. Guy put my innerds up on screen and gave nothing away on outcome. Scooped up my belongings and was told to wait in the female only waiting room.

Waiting for about 20 mins. Turns out the doc who walked in with me with the stinking cold was off home, and they had to get another doc in to cover her, so that's what the holdup was. Eventually a blonde pretty doctor called me through. Asked my to sit across from her desk. We talked through my medical history (I have luckily not had anything to note really), and the answers to the questionnaire, and signed a couple of forms.

Next was asked to take my shoes off so she could weigh and measure me. Did that, and I said I was happy as I haven't weighed myself in a while and I'd lost weight. No smile from doc so I knew I should shut up after that!

Had to stand in same spot and do eye test on the back of the door, one hand over one eye and read a line, and then reverse. My stupid body is so jetlagged (only got back from USA yesterday) that my right eye decided today was the day to go blind and I totally flunked the eye test on that eye. Doh. (I have 20-20 vision usually.) She didn't seem too concerned though or say anything about this really, so I presume it wasn't a big deal.

Next up onto the bed, had to take my socks and jeans off first. She came and examined me: got right into my gown and had a good old grope of my boobs. Then stethoscope being moved around and lots of breathing in and out. Same again on my back. Then lots of prodding of my belly organs. Then she grabbed both my arms and lots of examining my skin (I presume for evidence of self harm or drugs). She then took my blood pressure. Funnily enough she said it was on the high side of normal (shows what stress does.) I said this isn't usual for me and I'm just nervous and could she try again at the end, and she didn't mind at all. The she had a good old look at my legs and feet too. Then the gender-check! Literally just a peek down my knickers, no touching or anything at all, lasted for a split second. Then she tested my reflexes on my knees, and then drew the blood (she actually spoke out loud finally, and said "this is just to check for syphilis".) She said for me to put my clothes back on, but not any long sleeves and to lay back down for a min so she could re-do my blood pressure. That time it was fine, phew!

Came back out from around the curtain, put on my shoes. That was it. Led back out to reception. Paid my £245 and receptionist was lovely and explained timings to me. Got my form for my ROC given to me and that was that. Glad that bits done with, and if I don't hear from them in next 2 days, then blood and x-ray is normal.

You don't need any medical thingies for ROC. Are you thinking of the AOS that K-1ers have to do? The DS-3025 is just for your own info really so that you know what was sent to the consulate.

[Cathymac 60]

You don't need any medical thingies for ROC. Are you thinking of the AOS that K-1ers have to do? The DS-3025 is just for your own info really so that you know what was sent to the consulate.

what is the DS-3025? I got a vac cert that I have to keep for work purposes in the US with a DoS thingy attached, is that it? And a receipt

Edited October 30, 2014 by Cathymac

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

what is the DS-3025? I got a vac cert that I have to keep for work purposes in the US with a DoS thingy attached, is that it? And a receipt

The vaccination form number is DS-3025. Look around on on it and you will find the number. You likely won't need it for anything since you are CR1. Work purposes? I've never had to prove immunization for any job I have had. Maybe if you work in a hospital?

[Cathymac 60]

The vaccination form number is DS-3025. Look around on on it and you will find the number. You likely won't need it for anything since you are CR1. Work purposes? I've never had to prove immunization for any job I have had. Maybe if you work in a hospital?

That's what I was curious about, why for work? Anyways, the DoS paper attached makes it look important so I've duly filed it away with important stuff that I can't find between packing and getting stuff together for the interview, I feel like I'm in a world of A4 confetti

[Al422 221]

For K-1s, who might need a new med exam once in the US, if you passed an overseas med one year or less before your AOS application, you are exempt from the new med. As for shots, a complete DS-3025 also exempts you from the civil surgeon having to write you up for shots and giving you the missing ones. But it must be complete. Any missing shots, you must go to a CS to either get the missing shots or have him sign off that you don't need them. That usually involves a TIter's test, which the CS sent my wife for to get her exempted from varicella.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Varicella shot is waived in the UK by telling them at Knightsbridge you had chickenpox. They take your word. The DS-3025 is marked VH. The vaccine is not a required childhood vaccine in the UK so most have had the disease. Even Civil Surgeons are supposed to accept a verbal confirmation of having a history of chickenpox.

"An applicant who provides a reliable written or oral history of varicella disease does not require laboratory confirmation or further vaccination." (Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons)

Edited November 2, 2014 by Nich-Nick

[Twinkles 10]

Does anybody know what time slot is the last available for a Medical on Mondays?