Immunizations Question!!!

bakermiddle

bakermiddle

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2009
Messages
64
I've gotten every required shot listed on the immunization form except for the Polio Booster (after 18 years of age). I've been 18 for a few months, but the Health Department says that I get my shot from them because it's against their regulation to give me an adult booster (something about only 4 shots in the series are required)!

I don't know why that is, but will I be able to get this booster on R-Day or do I have to try to find some other way around it?
 
I've received all four doses of the series. It's just the military booster that they won't give me.
 
Okay - check and see if there is a "Travel Immunization Clinic" in your area. There might be one affiliated with a local hospital.
Go there with your shot records. They should have the vaccine.
 
Here is a link to search for a clinic:
http://www.astmh.org/source/ClinicalDirectory/

If none are near you then give one a call and maybe they can locate the vaccine nearest to you.
Also, maybe your health care practitioner will order it for you.
If you can't get it - they will give it to you at West Point.
 
We had to go to the health department for my appointee's shot updates as well. I had to keep pointing to the WP document for the immunizations saying he needed the adult booster. They didn't want to give it to him either, but I kept insisting and they finally caved.
 
It's because they don't normall give it unless you are going to be traveling to an undeveloped country. Be sure to tell them this is for entrance to the military. That might help.
 
Baker Middle -
I suggest you call your pediatrician.

I do not know why or when they added this extra dose. It's new since I was in. None the less, check with your pediatrician. Just bring the immunization requirements for the USMA. They should be able to give this booster. If you need help, I'm in Columbus - PM me.
BTW- I am a former Army pediatrician. Best of luck HOOAAHH!!!
 
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chattahoochee - I was told by my kids' pediatrician that the booster is needed now that they made the change from the live polio vaccine to the killed vaccine. Most of the kids today probably got the killed vaccine when they were babies and hence need a booster if they will be in a compromising environment.

You do need to be 18 to get it and IIRC - some kids in other years could not get the shot prior to reporting since they were not 18 yet.
 
Mom is correct. The oral vaccine induced better immunity but is no longer available in the US. The "adult dose" of IPV is recommended for those at high risk of exposure.
Baker - Let me know if I can help.
 
Thanks for the help everyone.

I found a center called Concentra that gladly gave me the adult booster so now I'm good to go!
 
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