When do I tell the medical professionals at Reception that I am allergic to Penicillin?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 19:43:43 -0400

I have already enlisted and received a ship date and all. The problem is that my mother has just informed me that I am allergic to Penicillin, so it is not on my army medical records that I did in MEPS. Therefore I will not be able to take the Penicillin shot required.
My recruiters told me to tell them when I am getting the shots at reception, is that too late and do I need to get proof that I am allergic?
I also don't want to go back to MEPS since I was told that they would push my ship date back and I am leaving next week.

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Sep 8 at 2019 7:50 PM

SGT Javier Silva — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 19:50:56 -0400

Tell them at reception. They will have to review your medical records. Have you EVER taken penicillin in your life?

Some of the penicillin drugs are:

penicillin V
penicillin G (Pfizerpen, Permapen)
amoxicillin (Amoxil)
amoxicillin/clavulonate (Augmentin)
ampicillin (Unasyn)
nafcillin (Nallpen)
oxacillin (Bactocill)
dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen are discontinued brands in the US; generic is available)
cloxacillin (discontinued in the US)
piperacillin (Pipracil)
piperacillin/tazobactam (Zosyn)
ticarcillin (Ticar) (Discontinued in the US and generic is not available)
ticarcillin/clavulonate (Timentin) (Discontinued in the US and a generic is not available.)

Response by 1SG Charles Hunter made Sep 8 at 2019 7:53 PM

1SG Charles Hunter — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 19:53:44 -0400

Why would you expect to get a penicillin shot at reception? Unless you have an infection which requires antibiotics, you shouldn't get one. Have your family doctor provide you with a statement regarding your allergy and have it entered into your medical record.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Sep 8 at 2019 11:27 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 23:27:34 -0400

To my knowledge a penicillin shot is not given to anyone at unless they have an infection.
You should however tell them as soon as you see the medical team at reception (or simply tell the Drill Sgt) that you are allergic.
Also to the best of my knowledge a penicillin shot IS NOT a required shot at training units.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Sep 8 at 2019 11:50 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 23:50:42 -0400

Couple things, 1) big chances of you don’t getting a penicillin shot. 2) tell the folks at reception ASAP.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Sep 9 at 2019 10:11 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 10:11:35 -0400

I don't think they just give you that shot as part of your other shots. Typically that's only given when needed (i.e you get sick). I'd just make sure you tell them when they ask.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 9 at 2019 10:42 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 10:42:35 -0400

Fortunately there are alternatives to penicillin. You'll eventually need to be allergy tested to know exactly which penicillins or other antibiotics you might be allergic to. Tell the medical staff or complete paperwork at reception.

Response by SFC Steven Hetletvedt made Sep 10 at 2019 10:35 AM

SFC Steven Hetletvedt — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 10:35:56 -0400

Regardless, Always have proof of some kind to show you are allergic to penicillin. It will save you more time and headaches. Yes, let them know immediately at the medical station when you get immunizations. Very important. There is a saying in the military. If it is not documented, it has not been done. Your documentation is very important to you throughout your entire military life and civilian life. Good luck.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Sep 10 at 2019 5:45 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 17:45:49 -0400

As soon as you get to reception and do the medical portion. That's when you tell them.
I just found out two years ago I'm allergic to amoxicillin (which means I'm allergic to penicillin). I found out after I finished a 10 day dose of amoxicillin for an ear infection and broke out in hives everywhere. I was 35. Do you remember ever having an allergic reaction? You say your mom told you so it seems weird you didn't know that sooner. I would think that your parents would have told you that you had allergies...or it was in your medical records that you had before MEPS.

If you haven't ever had an allergic reaction, how do you know you're allergic? Or your parents know you are? Like I never had a reaction until I took that amoxicillin - and it had me think back to when I was in Iraq and I got really, really sick with a sore throat. The PA gave me penicillin but I also had MRSA (I found out when I went home). On the way in Kuwait, I noticed I had all these little bumps on my legs. I thought the penicillin was stopping the MRSA (I had two boils from it). But I think it was a reaction to the penicillin.
If you can't show documentation you're allergic you're getting the shot - and if you have a reaction then they will document it.