Hi,
I'll be joining RPI on a CS PhD admit. I'm actually from Bangalore.
Contact number: 9986515144
Regarding the health forms, most of us have already had MMR.
You need to take vaccines against the following:
Meningitis (taken)
You will find the meningitis vaccine available in some large pharmacies, start your search in pharmacies attached to big hospitals (not necessarily the posh ones). The meningitis vaccine is available in 2 varieties that protect against bacterial meningitis: one that protects against 2 strains of the bacteria (A,C) and one against 4 (A,C,Y,W135). It would be better to take the one that is against 4 strains. The vaccines are made by Bio-Med and GSK. The vaccine needs to be stored at 2-8 C i think i.e cold storage. Go get it from a place that you can be reasonably certain they follow good standard practices on storage etc. Insist on an ice pack. The pharmacy i went to gave it wrapped in a ziplock packet with ice in it. Go to any doctor and get the shot.
Tetanus (taken).
Most of us have taken this and had a booster shot quite recently. Check your records.
Hepatitis B (and A) (taken before)
Please take this vaccine. Highly recommended although it is optional in the forms. Requires a booster dose in 2 months i think. Consult your family physician to work out a schedule. Hepatitis is nasty and affects far more people than meningitis does.
Chicken pox (taken)
Generally not required if you have had chicken pox before.
Polio (taken)
TB screening
Not required to be done now. They don't accept tests done outside the US or Canada. You can still get a screening done to avoid surprises.
For the vaccines that you have had as a wee little baby, you may not remember dates if you dont have your immunization records. If you have had them (you must get the vaccines) but have forgotten dates, the doctor shouldnt have too much of filling approximate dates on which you would have taken it after looking at your date of birth.
The vaccines are just regular injections. Your family doctor can give them to you and certify that it has been given. Any other registered doctors will do just as well.
Regards,
Sujoy