Vaccination problems

[Wayne-Rachel 8]

When previously reading the list off vaccines required as part of my immigration, I had no problems, but just now reading another post here, I discovered that Pertussis is another name for Whoping Cough.

Here lies a problem. When I had my first Whoping Cough vaccination, I had a severe alergic reaction to it (Read: While I was unconcious in hospital, Mum & Dad were told to prepare for the fact that I may not wake up, and if I did, I would be severely brain damaged - Doctors words to Mum)

As it was, I came back to a concious state, not only un-braindamaged, but very much alive LOL However, the thought of having that same shot is not one I am comfortable with, does anyone know if there is any way of getting a waiver for it?

Kind regards, Wayne.

[KiwiBird 132]

I'm sure there's gotta be a way to get a waiver for something you're severely allergic to! They wouldn't force that on someone. Now... as for getting evidence of the allergy and the necessary paperwork, I'm unsure about that.

I'd say ask your Medical Exam doc about it. Those doctors do a lot of the Immigration Medical Exams, and they might know what kind of waiver is needed.

[Wayne-Rachel 8]

I'm sure there's gotta be a way to get a waiver for something you're severely allergic to! They wouldn't force that on someone. Now... as for getting evidence of the allergy and the necessary paperwork, I'm unsure about that.

I'd say ask your Medical Exam doc about it. Those doctors do a lot of the Immigration Medical Exams, and they might know what kind of waiver is needed.

The doctor in question was a friend of Mum's as she was working at the same hospital, I think thats why he was as brutaly honest with them as he was. Perhaps Mum can give me his name and I might be able to track him down, hopefully he's still doing the doctor thing here in NSW

Thanks for your reply Kiwi

[TBoneTX 42,991]

If you can retrieve those medical records, do so, and submit them at the next logical stage in your process (this is one boon of getting an RFE -- information can be included besides what the RFE asks for).

I also suggest contacting the U.S. consulate in your country, explain that you're very early in the K-1 process, relate what you've told us here, and ask for feedback.

Actually, even before doing this, you should consult some immunization experts in hospitals and universities. It could be that the strengths or compositions of pertussis vaccines have changed, or the formulations have been altered, since you received the one that caused you the problems. The situation might be worth the making of a medical appointment to test your current sensitivity (at non-harmful levels).

You're fortunate to have plenty of time to do these things, and sensible to be thinking ahead.

[Wayne-Rachel 8]

If you can retrieve those medical records, do so, and submit them at the next logical stage in your process (this is one boon of getting an RFE -- information can be included besides what the RFE asks for).

I also suggest contacting the U.S. consulate in your country, explain that you're very early in the K-1 process, relate what you've told us here, and ask for feedback.

Actually, even before doing this, you should consult some immunization experts in hospitals and universities. It could be that the strengths or compositions of pertussis vaccines have changed, or the formulations have been altered, since you received the one that caused you the problems. The situation might be worth the making of a medical appointment to test your current sensitivity (at non-harmful levels).

You're fortunate to have plenty of time to do these things, and sensible to be thinking ahead.

I've been told that the vaccine has changed since I had it (1975 ish) but my nephew had the same reaction to the new version in the mid 1990's... So I'm not for going anywhere near it.

A quick google search of the name of the doctor I think it was who did it however, turned up that he is still in the same field and area, so I'll be trying to make contact and see if he will write me a letter or certificate of some kind.

[KiwiBird 132]

I would honestly start with the doctor you will be going to see for the medical exam. He might be able to tell you where to get your records, and which ones you'll need specifically.

[TBoneTX 42,991]

I defer to KiwiBird, in regard to the first step. This will guide your subsequent actions most efficiently.

[Wayne-Rachel 8]

Mmmm yes, I think that would be a good course of action too... Thanks guys