What is the best way to obtain vaccinations for a CR1 visa medical exam in Thailand?

Jan 9, 2025
9 days ago
Bill *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
(Not sure if allowed here)

Seeking advice for something a bit urgent. My wife will have her medical check at Bumrungrad in order to get the CR1 visa (marriage) to go to America. For this she needs all vaccinations. She has no record of these. Bumrungrad can do the whole process but if we get the vaccines there it will be around 30k total for the health check + vaccines

I’ve been recommended by another expat to first go to a government hospital to get an antibody test to see what vaccines are already in my wife’s system (she lost her records). Then we can see what she needs and have it done cheaper outside of Bumrungrad

I’m wondering if anyone else has done this process for their spouse and if you have any advice. Just looking for the most cost effective way.

The medical exam itself can only be done at two hospitals and this was confirmed by the embassy

Thank you
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster is seeking advice on how to obtain the necessary vaccinations for their wife to complete the CR1 visa medical examination. They are considering going to a government hospital for an antibody test to determine which vaccinations are needed, in order to save costs compared to Bumrungrad Hospital, where the full medical checkup and vaccinations would be around 30,000 baht. Community members suggest the viability of this approach, the specifics of required vaccinations (e.g., MMR, DPT), and share their past experiences regarding costs and procedures.
Robert *********
Why are you going to the most expensive hospital in Thailand ?

It's basic stuff
Bill *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Robert Merrellthe US Embassy only accepts health checks from two hospitals.
Paul ********
Can only access if you have taken your poison. The madness in Clown World continues, it seems.
Ally ************
Please bear in mind that multiple vaccines in one batch (or close together) also represents a health risk.. so you should prepare for your wife to become ill soon after.. if you are intending to travel just after the jabs this could preclude her from flying.. either way I'd recommend you buy travel insurance that covers the cost of your flights if she falls ill and can't fly.. but you need to check that it will cover vaccine reactions.. since this is elective medication rather than remedial.. and anyone putting a needle in their arm should find out exactly what they are being injected with first.. since bad reactions come from ingredients your body can't handle!
Joseph *******
This sounds a bit strange to me. 15 years ago, my wife faced a similar situation. We took the embassy list to Bumrungrad. They looked it over & said all we needed was the DTP (3 shots) & MMR (2 shots). If I remember correctly, each visit cost us about 2k baht. We didn’t have the necessary time left to get the third DTP, but it didn’t seem to matter. We did a direct filing with the DHS & my wife got her visa on time. Six months later, she got her third DPT at the Fresno County Department of Community Health.
Dave **********
Yes, an antibody titer test can be used to determine vaccination history when medical records are incomplete or unreliable. This is often used for children or adults who immigrate to the United States without detailed medical records.
Bill *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave *********
Thanks Dave. Any idea how long it takes to get results?
Dave **********
@Bill ******
you will have to ask the hospital.
Kate *******
You can also do a religious exemption which is well worth looking into.
Paul *********
@Kate ******
much better than having needles stuck in you.

My wife didn't need any but that was 36 years ago
Mma *******
@Kate ******
good idea. What measures would they go thru to ensure you are not gaming the system?
Kate *******
@Mma ******
they usually want a letter from your pastor or equivelant, in her case likely a monk but that should be doable. Do some research into what other Buddhists have done for the process. Or if she’s Christian there’s a lot of resources as many have been through the process. She might be becoming a US resident but you don’t want her ending up with US health.
Lynnette *******
So 4 vaccinations. MMR, DPT, whooping cough, and Hib flu. Is that right?
Lynnette *******
MMR, DPT, are both given in single shot.
Bill *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I believe these
Lynnette *******
@Bill ******
has the embassy given you a list to comply with?
Lynnette *******
@Bill ******
ah. . Mr. Google failed me. Lol.
Lynnette *******
What's the list of "all vaccines"? There are thousands so which ones does USA require?
Tim *********
It sounds like a sensible approach, if the test results will be accepted as proof. It also depends how much time you have available, as public hospitals may not do the test and produce the result quickly enough
Bill *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tim ********
her interview isn’t until February, so there is time. But our appointment at Bumrungrad is Monday. I suppose we could change it though
Tim *********
@Bill ******
Wishing good outcomes for you both 🙏👍
Bill *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tim ********
thank you
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