alergic to penicillin

by armbar · Post by **by armbar** » October 26th, 2007, 2:07 pm

Rangers and other members of the board

It is my understanding that a shot of penicillin is givin when you enlist. I am checking now to see how bad my reaction was to it. If I am unable to take it, is there anyway around it?

Glenn, MSG Ret. · Post by **Glenn, MSG Ret.** » October 26th, 2007, 3:01 pm

I'm not saying it's impossible but I can't see them giving anybody an antibiotic unless there's infection involved. Least ways I never received any antibiotic unless I had an infection, or as a prevention after a bad cut, in my 27 years of service.

Now a tetanus shot is more likely. Got one every 6-7 years.

I'm not sure if they still use penicillin. There's many newer antibiotics available these days.

The Sleepy Doc will be around I'm sure to set us straight.

Charlie 51 · Post by **Charlie 51** » October 26th, 2007, 3:38 pm

I had the same allergy and they did not give me the shot. I also did not get the gama gobulin (sp?) peanut butter ass shot either. I had a red dog tag calling out my allergy. It did not keep me from anything.

You should be fine.

Sleepy Doc · Post by **Sleepy Doc** » October 26th, 2007, 3:39 pm

They used to give it in case you have strep and a hand full of other things. Before you are given any vaccines, they will ask you if you have specific allergies or sensitivities (feathers, eggs, horses, etc.)

If they do still use it, and you are allergic to it, they won't give it to you.

You should know by this point in your life if you have a penicillin allergy, but just let them know if there is any question.

Glenn, MSG Ret. · Post by **Glenn, MSG Ret.** » October 26th, 2007, 3:46 pm

I knew Ranger Sleepy Doc would be around to set us on the right path, our resident Medic or should I say "Health Care Specialist"?

by armbar · Post by **by armbar** » October 26th, 2007, 3:51 pm

Thank you Rangers and members for the feedback.

Sleepy Doc · Post by **Sleepy Doc** » October 27th, 2007, 12:36 pm

One other thing.. keep a copy of your shot record. You wont be able to get them until you transition from OSUT to airborne... but definitely do it when you get to your first permanent-party station. (It's real easy to find..it the one that says "vaccination record" in your medical jacket..) DO NOT take it out, just xerox a copy. This way if it gets lost (and they do get lost sometimes..) you will have a copy and you won't have to get them all over again.

91W · Post by **91W** » October 28th, 2007, 5:10 pm

I do not believe they give the PVK shot anymore. Like was stated it was given as a precaution and that was all.

As far as the "Peanutbutter ass shot"....

They have stopped that due to the fact there was no real need to give it predeployment.

However since the great orginization of Army Healthcare changes their mind more than most people change underwear just be honest with any allergies you have and you will be fine. If you have a Pen. allergy there are other antibiotics you may potentially be allergic to. It is never wise to be less than honest in your medical history...