SteveSweet

Hello,

I'm in the process of applying for a spouse visa (IR1), and trying to obtain my vaccination record for the medical. I've moved around a fair bit over the years, and my current GP has no record of any vaccinations. I called three earlier GPs, but none could help.

It seems from this link that the required vaccinations are Tetanus and diptheria, MMR, varicella and flu (annually).

https://uk.usembassy.gov/wp-content/...cine_chart.pdf

I've certainly had the standard ones: tetanus, MMR and probably the others too.
1) Is there any other way to prove this that I haven't thought of?
2) What happens if you turn up without a vaccination record?
3) Is it worth asking my GP to vaccinate me again?

Thanks for all suggestions!

Steve

Noorah101

The doctor can do a titre test to see what vaccinations you've had. Also based on your age and where you've lived, they can assume whay you've had.

Rene

ian-mstm

Yes - a titre test, as Rene indicates.


They will give you age-appropriate vaccinations according to CDC requirements.


It may be less expensive - but otherwise, no.

Ian

StuBear65

MMR, tetanus and diphtheria are all free on the NHS so I would just get them done again. The MMR is a 2 dose course done six weeks apart and the others are a single combined injection.

I had mine earlier this year.

I don't believe Varicella is done in the UK but if you've had chicken pox as a child they should take your word for it.

Twinkle0927

Varicella vaccine is not available in the U.K. but since most children have had chickenpox they just assume that you've had it. They didn't even ask me if I have had chickenpox but marked that I have.

If you're immigrating during flu season you can get a flu shot from Boots or similar - doesn't have to be from the GP.

I would try and get the MMR and the Tdap done by your GP if you can. People have had varying degrees of success with this. Our GP had a jobsworth receptionist who felt it her duty to announce to me, in front of a crowd of people in the waiting room, that NHS services are provided by the taxpayer to cover essential things, and not people wanting to move overseas. But the doctor had a stern word with her and a vaccination appointment was booked. If you can't get them done by the GP, Knightsbridge can do them but at a cost.

viitav

I had to get a second dose of MMR (my doctors wouldn't do it as it isn't essential at my age) for 45 pounds I think?

She did offer a immunity test to see if I needed it but that was 20 pounds so I just got it over and done with as my interview was the following week.

ian-mstm

To clarify... it is available - but it must be special ordered.

Ian

tom169

It was on the news last month that it's even starting to be offered like flu vaccines.

ian-mstm

And yet the myth that it's unavailable persists... and has done so for years!

Ian

StuBear65

I think the myth still exists because until recently the IV018a Medical Questionnaire Vaccination Requirements still stated it was not available in the UK.

SteveSweet

Thanks all.
The NHS guidance on MMR, for adults who may or may not have had it, is:
"If in doubt, go ahead and have it. Even if you've had it before, it won't harm you to have a second, or even third, course of the vaccination."
From About the MMR vaccine - Vaccinations - NHS Choices
The problem for the NHS is people who don't trust having it at all, not the tiny number of people who would end up having it twice, for visa reasons.

Steve

SteveSweet

Just to update, I saw a nurse at my GP practice, who was happy to provide DTaP and MMR vaccinations free of charge. (MMR booster scheduled for one month after first vaccination.)

KK85

Glad things are working out and that you've been able to get the vaccinations sorted.

tom169

Make sure you get proof of having the vaccines.

SteveSweet

Final (I hope) update: had the visa medical last week. They were happy with the 'Patient Summary' showing I'd recently had the DTaP and 1st MMR. 2nd MMR will be this week (at my GP).
As a side-note, apparently the US asks for a three dose tetanus, diptheria and polio course, however only the first is necessary to satisfy the visa requirements (2nd is 4 weeks later; 3rd is 6-12 months later).