Thinking ahead of time

[Matsiepan 6]

For Canadians in particular, is there anything I can do prior to the medical to speed things along (i.e. go to my GP and get certain vaccinations)?

Also, what does the medical itself consist of?

[pocheros 101]

You need to obtain a copy of your vaccination history and ensure you have all the required ones. I'm typing this from my phone so I can't put a link but if you go to the panelphysicians website (the medical in Toronto) it will list what vaccinations are necessary. If you're missing any then you can either go to your doctor to get them or you can get titre tests to prove immunity. If you don't get them beforehand the medical will charge you extra.

If you have any conditions or take medication regularly then you should go to your doctor and obtain a letter from them stating how long you've been treated and that you're in good health etc.

[pocheros 101]

Also, I forgot to include this in my last post and the edit button isn't available on the mobile version of this site, but there's a link to medical review at the top of this website. There's also a link to my review of the medical in Toronto. These will give you an idea of what to expect. The medical itself is very easy- it usually consists of a chest x ray, checking blood pressure, height, and weight, a quick abdominal and breast exam and then just some basic questions (do you have HIV, are you addicted to drugs, etc.)

[dukeandduchess 141]

Start getting vaccinated now! I had a big delay because I had to get 2 live virus vaccinations so it took 3 months to get me fully vaccinated.

You need the following vaccines:

Full series MMR (2 shots)

Full series Varicella (2 shots) *unless you've had chicken pox, then you are already immune*

TDap - this can be done at a travel clinic

Flu Shot - only between Oct-Feb

Most of these are free with the exception of TDap. If you've had a TDap shot within the last 10 years you don't need another one. Usually the last one you get is in grade 9 or so.

Just a note - make sure you find out all the vaccinations you need before hand and discuss the fastest way to get all the shots done with the nurse because there's a 30 day waiting period between 1 live virus shot and the next live virus shot.

[Matsiepan 6]

I have the small vaccination card my mother was given when I was born which has maybe 2-3 vaccinations listed and I have changed family doctors more than once in my nearly 27 years. Where should I go to get a complete list of my vaccination history?

Edited January 25, 2012 by Matsiepan

[SapphireDreams 71]

I have the small vaccination card my mother was given when I was born which has maybe 2-3 vaccinations listed and I have changed family doctors more than once in my nearly 27 years. Where should I go to get a complete list of my vaccination history?

You can try the public health department where you grew up. I grew up in Peel Region and they had my record on file. I just called them and they mailed it to me.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I have the small vaccination card my mother was given when I was born which has maybe 2-3 vaccinations listed and I have changed family doctors more than once in my nearly 27 years. Where should I go to get a complete list of my vaccination history?

I also was able to easily obtain my full record from the Region's health department...easy peasey

[jbel 3]

I just went into my local health authority and asked for my vaccination records. It took them a little while to get them in (maybe a week), but the full record was there. If you're in NS it's Capital Health, I'm not sure what it is in other provinces.

[benjamin10 0]

i couldn't track down my records and my dad didn't know which doctor i saw so i was sol i should be getting results from the blood test soon the doctor said it would take about 2 weeks

[Matsiepan 6]

I had chicken pox when I was one (on my first birthday no less) and vaccinations for Measles, mumps and rubella when I was one as well. According to my records I have none since. Do I need to go in for booster shots since it is 26 years later?

[SapphireDreams 71]

I had chicken pox when I was one (on my first birthday no less) and vaccinations for Measles, mumps and rubella when I was one as well. According to my records I have none since. Do I need to go in for booster shots since it is 26 years later?

They'll take your word on the chicken pox requirement.

The other you'll need to show proof that you have had the full series and kept up with booster shots. I went to go see my family doctor and she went over my records and ensured I had them all complete. I believe the only thing that I needed was to get a new Tetanus booster.

I got my full record from the Peel Region Health Department.

[Matsiepan 6]

I just had my full record e-mailed to me from the local immunication records department, guess I should schedule an appointment and go get the boosters.

Thanks!

[pocheros 101]

It's probably a good idea to get a MMR booster too- though the consulate requires that you've only had it once, I believe USCIS wants to see that you've had one recently when you do AOS. It's also good to get an MMR booster if you're female (sorry, can't tell if you're female/male from this thread ) because immunity to rubella fades and it's risky if you get it while you're pregnant.

[Matsiepan 6]

Cr-1 doesn't require AOS I thought. I was getting my MMR again since according the my vaccination record I have only had it once, 26 years ago.

I am a woman

[pocheros 101]

Cr-1 doesn't require AOS I thought. I was getting my MMR again since according the my vaccination record I have only had it once, 26 years ago.

I am a woman

Nope, you won't be doing AOS. Sorry, I remember checking what visa you had but I must've had a brain fart Nevermind me, lol.