Where Can I Get A Blood Test Done?

[Erawan]

I'm planning to be in Thailand next year, round about February and I've already been to get my injections for my upcoming trip. These vaccines are comprised of multiple injections spread over a period of time. So I'll have to get another dose in a month or so and another after that.

Now, my problem is not to do with getting the injections done in time (quite fortunate to be honest), but that I won't be able to get the blood test done at the end of it all to check whether or not I have indeed built up an immunity to the viruses.

I have two options:

1) Put my trip back about a month, meaning I won't get to Thailand until about mid-March, so I can also get the results back. If I'm not immune, I'm gonna have to schedule a further and final injection :/.

2) Get my blood test done in Thailand, and if I'm not immune, hopefully get my needed booster injection there if possible.

Now, I'm looking to option 2 as the topic indicates, so tell me where/who do I see to get my blood test done? And hopefully, it'll be these same people who'll be able to give me my booster injection, should it be needed, right? Oh and the area/s we're looking at is Ayuttaya/Lopburi/Bangkok.

[whattodo]

I'm planning to be in Thailand next year, round about February and I've already been to get my injections for my upcoming trip. These vaccines are comprised of multiple injections spread over a period of time. So I'll have to get another dose in a month or so and another after that.

Now, my problem is not to do with getting the injections done in time (quite fortunate to be honest), but that I won't be able to get the blood test done at the end of it all to check whether or not I have indeed built up an immunity to the viruses.

I have two options:

1) Put my trip back about a month, meaning I won't get to Thailand until about mid-March, so I can also get the results back. If I'm not immune, I'm gonna have to schedule a further and final injection :/.

2) Get my blood test done in Thailand, and if I'm not immune, hopefully get my needed booster injection there if possible.

Now, I'm looking to option 2 as the topic indicates, so tell me where/who do I see to get my blood test done? And hopefully, it'll be these same people who'll be able to give me my booster injection, should it be needed, right? Oh and the area/s we're looking at is Ayuttaya/Lopburi/Bangkok.

[george]

I have been here for 15 years and have never had any vaccinations. What illness are you afraid of?

[Davidcharles]

Your Practice Nurse will tell you everything you need to know about Jabs for Thailand....

It all depends where in LOS you are going?

You need more Jabs in the upcountry areas than in Bangkok.....

But don't panic. You'll be ok.......

[kurgen]

I have always found (IMHO) the best place to get a vaccinating injection is a hospital. I hope I have helped you teewat

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Can you get that sort of thing done in a hospital these days Kurgen ? Erawan won't get a lot of sensation while wearing eight condoms ( including the one over his head ) Not a risk taker is our Erawan, or so it seems.

[john b good]

I have been here for 15 years and have never had any vaccinations. What illness are you afraid of?

Exactly myself included.

And about the only illness one might contract here is one you can't get vaccinated against.

There is I believe a clinic in Bangkok called 'TMV' (Travellers Medical Vaccinations) which is a good option.

They are also in all major cities in Australia.

They are very experienced in vaccinations and can also advise on ones immunity levels.

I have used them (in Australia) myself for the above purpose.

Have also used them in the past to acquire information and advice as to what diseases are prevalent in a particular country and what one should vaccinate against.

[MadFrankie]

I'm planning to be in Thailand next year, round about February and I've already been to get my injections for my upcoming trip. These vaccines are comprised of multiple injections spread over a period of time. So I'll have to get another dose in a month or so and another after that.

Now, my problem is not to do with getting the injections done in time (quite fortunate to be honest), but that I won't be able to get the blood test done at the end of it all to check whether or not I have indeed built up an immunity to the viruses.

I have two options:

1) Put my trip back about a month, meaning I won't get to Thailand until about mid-March, so I can also get the results back. If I'm not immune, I'm gonna have to schedule a further and final injection :/.

2) Get my blood test done in Thailand, and if I'm not immune, hopefully get my needed booster injection there if possible.

Now, I'm looking to option 2 as the topic indicates, so tell me where/who do I see to get my blood test done? And hopefully, it'll be these same people who'll be able to give me my booster injection, should it be needed, right? Oh and the area/s we're looking at is Ayuttaya/Lopburi/Bangkok.

perhaps you should book a holliday in you local ER, just incase anything happens

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I have been here for 15 years and have never had any vaccinations. What  illness are you afraid of?

Exactly myself included.

And about the only illness one might contract here is one you can't get vaccinated against.

There is I believe a clinic in Bangkok called 'TMV' (Travellers Medical Vaccinations) which is a good option.

They are also in all major cities in Australia.

They are very experienced in vaccinations and can also advise on ones immunity levels.

I have used them (in Australia) myself for the above purpose.

Have also used them in the past to acquire information and advice as to what diseases are prevalent in a particular country and what one should vaccinate against.

John/

can one be vaccinated against hypochondria ? It can be a terrible thing to contract in strange parts of the world.

[john b good]

I have been here for 15 years and have never had any vaccinations. What  illness are you afraid of?

Exactly myself included.

And about the only illness one might contract here is one you can't get vaccinated against.

There is I believe a clinic in Bangkok called 'TMV' (Travellers Medical Vaccinations) which is a good option.

They are also in all major cities in Australia.

They are very experienced in vaccinations and can also advise on ones immunity levels.

I have used them (in Australia) myself for the above purpose.

Have also used them in the past to acquire information and advice as to what diseases are prevalent in a particular country and what one should vaccinate against.

John/

can one be vaccinated against hypochondria ? It can be a terrible thing to contract in strange parts of the world.

That hypochondria can be real bad if you get it doc.

And I hear that the survival rates are pretty slim as well.

On a more serious note though there are still many countries where vaccinations are very advisable.

Admittedly Thailand is not one of them.

I would have to look at my vaccination book to refresh on the shots that I have had (but agin never any for Thailand)

[Erawan]

So I'm getting stick for wanting to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and typhoid (look 'em up)? Well excuse me taking up the doctor on his suggestion. I will be spending a lot of time 'upcountry', hills, jungles and that, so I would of thought it's a wise move. We're not talking about suburbia here.

What's the big deal guys? Over here there's no need to go to a hospital for all your medical needs, as I'm sure they've more pressing matters to attend to. This is why smaller clinics are around, to deal with little things like this. I went to the travel clinic which is an offshoot of the GP clinic. I was wondering whether or not the same applies there.

And some of you instantly jump to conclusions, the GUM clinic no doubt, and that too is a separate institution, but I'm sure you're well aware of that. I do not appreciate being made out to be someone who is returning to Thailand with sex being my agenda.

And dr Pat Pong, it's wise to choose your risks carefully, from your comments it almost appears as if you are advocating unsafe sex.

I don't know why you feel the need to jump all over my case as soon as I've said my piece. It's a shitty personality trait of the British, to be negative and to feel the need to bring others down. All I was asking for was a little info and help.

[ka12345]

Hep A, Hep B are pretty good to have in addition to all the usual stuff people get in the west as part of the normal childhood immunizations. (You won't believe how many people in SE Asia are carriers of Hep. B!) If you are going to spend time out in some jungle it won't hurt to get a tetanus booster so you won't have to worry too much if you get a dirty wound.

I got a dirty cut once and had to get tetanus + stitched up in a not so clean rural 'hospital'. The nurses did excellent stitching with silk thread. A BKK doctor that inspected it a week later was impressed and called several nurses to come and take a look at the craftsmanship. (And he laughed about the fact that they still used silk thread).

Some doctors also recommend japanese encephalitis for people who will spend time on the country side but it is so rare in TH and the risk of adverse reactions with that vaccine make others recommend against it. It is part of the normal childhood vaccinations that Bumrungrad give to kids so check with your doctor what he thinks.

You can get your blood tests and vaccinations done at just about any private hospital in BKK. There are tons of them around with Bumrungrad and Samitvej being the most popular among farangs.

[john b good]

So I'm getting stick for wanting to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and typhoid (look 'em up)? Well excuse me taking up the doctor on his suggestion. I will be spending a lot of time 'upcountry', hills, jungles and that, so I would of thought it's a wise move. We're not talking about suburbia here.

What's the big deal guys? Over here there's no need to go to a hospital for all your medical needs, as I'm sure they've more pressing matters to attend to. This is why smaller clinics are around, to deal with little things like this. I went to the travel clinic which is an offshoot of the GP clinic. I was wondering whether or not the same applies there.

And some of you instantly jump to conclusions, the GUM clinic no doubt, and that too is a separate institution, but I'm sure you're well aware of that. I do not appreciate being made out to be someone who is returning to Thailand with sex being my agenda.

And dr Pat Pong, it's wise to choose your risks carefully, from your comments it almost appears as if you are advocating unsafe sex.

I don't know why you feel the need to jump all over my case as soon as I've said my piece. It's a shitty personality trait of the British, to be negative and to feel the need to bring others down. All I was asking for was a little info and help.

Erawan, go get the shots you want and those that you are advised to get.

Personally I would not be too worried about the need for vaccinations when visiting Thailand. (and have never had any myself 'for Thailand')

And I would not subcribe to the advice (of a previous poster) to get the shots that the "practice nurse" (in the UK) advises as being required. She would have to refer to other agencies in any event (if you wanted accurate and relevant information that is)

Ascertaining ones level of immunity, the advice on whats required and vaccinations are almost a specialist area of medicine in itself.

OK found my vac's book (s)

I have had in the past 10-15 years shots for (with some boosters)

Hep A

Hep B

Typhoid

Rabies

Meningitis

Tetanus

Influenza

Polio

And I am not a hypochondriac.........

Indeed I have never spent a dime of my own money on vaccinations. They have all been required by (and paid for) the companies I have worked for around the world.

I have never had (nor been advised to have) shots for malaria.

Many countries still present concerns due to diseases that still exist, and that have been virtually eliminated (eradicated) in the "western world"

Tuberculosis is still a problem in Thailand

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Nope Erawan. There's no suggestion that you should go for unprotected sex.

[Erawan]

If you read more closely, you would see that I said "almost appears". And I think it's fair to say that people could get that assumption based on what you said. However, I know, or would like to think you'd be a lot smarter than making such throwaway comments.

Oh and I wouldn't consider it a 'visit', well not in the classical sense. I'm going to be back in Thailand for a year - minimum. I have no idea how long I'll be there, my purchase of a one way ticket should go someway to showing the uncertainty of what lies ahead of me. Quite exciting when I think about it .

I would like to think I'm now vindicated of your unfair judgements and comments. And thank you to those of you who posted constructive comments and information.

[cathyy]

I'm with john b good on this one.

Before coming to Thailand on a visit I made sure my husband got his Hep a and b, typhoid, and tetanus shots.I I needed a booster for my typhoid and the Hep A. I was already current on the rest he got, as well as having had, thanks to the US military: typhus, plague, yellow fever, and cholera. Some of them should get boosters to be current, but I don't really need them in Thailand. I will be investigating the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine before we move. I can't decide whether to get it until I have more information on the evil adverse effects I have heard about. I do know how evil the encephalitis is.

Oddly enough, I had to tell the travel nurse what vaccinations I wanted us to have. She had no idea what to advise for Thailand.

[ka12345]

I can't decide whether to get it until I have more information on the evil adverse effects I have heard about. I do know how evil the encephalitis is.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/jencephalitis/

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00020599.htm