Hiya New-Dawn.
Martin went to his GP about a month before his interview to determine what jabs he needed. Only your doc can really decide what's best for you - in some cases people shouldnt have a certain jab and therefore the doctor can write a letter of reccomendation stating that the jab is medically inappropriate.
Martin previously had a tetanus booster in 99, a polio booster in 90, and his TB vaccination in 88. All of this information was on his GP's reccord.
Because he wasnt due for his tetanus he had to have the low dose diptheria. Tetanus / Diptheria is commonly administered as a single shot. He was also given the flu shot, which isnt required but hey - t'was the season.
Varicella vaccines arent avalible in the UK therefore you wont have to have that one. Pneumococcal, Polio, Hepatitis B, Hib (Flu Type B) and Influenza werent necessary for a 28 year old.
The only thing he was missing was MMR (or M and MR). You can choose to have two vaccines if you wish, however the vaccinations are most commonly given in the 3 dose shot. MMR has been used for many many years and most people who have had it suffer no ill effects that have been related directly to having the combined jab. You shouldnt worry. If you have concerns the best thing you can do is ask your doctor.
Because our GP only had baby MMR vaccines they decided it was probably best to have it done in London. The jab cost £30. Quite a lot of the people at the doc's office in London had one. They all had to wait around for a few minutes after the shot to make sure that they were doing ok and not having any bad reactions like dizzyness etc. Every one was fine
In the US, children are given the MMR as standard. Everyone I know has had it, including myself, and so far I havent seen anyone suffer because of it. I think this hoopla surrounding the so-called risks of MMR are very much blown out of proportion because some people like to worry and complain about anything they can get their hands on. Of course if, after speaking with your GP, you still dont feel comfortable with the combined jab, you can always opt for the 2 jabs. Make sure you visit your GP in plenty of time to allow them to be able to order in any vaccines they might not have in stock.
If youre totally out of date on all or most of your vaccines you would probably find it financially easier to just see your GP and have the shots done on the NHS or your insurance. Otherwise you'll have to pay for every shot you get in London.
I hope that info helps anyway,
Sarah
