Immunizations

[JuneFirst 1]

Hey everybody...

so, I went to my doctor this morning to talk with him about the neccessary visa-immunizations.

This is the list that I showed him:

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Influenza

Influenza type b (Hib)

Measles

Meningococcal

Mumps

Pneumococcal

Pertussis

Polio

Rotavirus

Rubella

Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids

Varicella

He looked at me funny and said that some of those are only given to babies, some are only given to peole 60< and that some of them are not available. And that he cannot give me some of them because he would have to take full responsibility for any possibly side effect because it is not a "common" immunization.

I now am a little confused. It is important that I get this immunization things started asap.

Isn't this the correct list? Any experiences/advise?

Thanks in advance...Mrs K.

Edited April 30, 2010 by JuneFirst

[Deb+Steve 13]

Yes, some are age appropriate. Here is the 2010 list from the CDC. Hope this helps:-

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5901-Immunization.pdf

Note: HPV is no longer required but it is recommended.

[Chrito 18]

This might help you:

http://german.germany.usembassy.gov/visa/files/iv_immunizations.pdf

Look in you appropriate age group what you need.

As far as I know you need 2 MMR shots (in your entire life), if you had Varicella (Windpocken) get a titre test done first instead of the immunization, if you have enough antibodies, take the test results to the medical (beware: Leipzig doesn't accept tests not done by them!), be up to date with TdaP shots.

You don't need Hep A/B (I had it done since the infection risk is higher in the States than in Germany, according to my doctor), but it's recommended. Since this course of shots takes 6 months to complete it might be too late for you.

Good luck!

Edited April 30, 2010 by Chrito

[TheBears 9]

Does Germany require you to complete the vaccination series before immigrating? I don't think I've ever heard of that before, but then I'm not dealing with Germany.

I can say, though.... Good luck!

[Chrito 18]

Does Germany require you to complete the vaccination series before immigrating? I don't think I've ever heard of that before, but then I'm not dealing with Germany.

I can say, though.... Good luck!

No they don't, but it's better to complete a course of shots with the same brand of vaccine. In Germany they mainly use Merck's Hep vaccine and this one is relatively new on the American market, so you don't know for sure if it's available in your area of the US.

[TheBears 9]

I never even considered that. Thank you for clearing that up for me.

[JuneFirst 1]

Thanks so much for those links, very helpful

[Mrs.Price 0]

You're not required to get all the shots in that list, because they are age appropriate. I went to the civil surgeon on that list given by the nvc and he said since I already had varicella when I was a kid, I only need MMR and DT because I'm 23 and those are the required shots for my age.

Check with your doctor which shots are age appropriate for you.

[Chrito 18]

You're welcome. If you have more questions, check out the German people thread int the regional discussions forum.