Getting a Test or Vaccine
Essential phrases for scheduling tests, asking about side effects, and getting your results or certificates at a Spanish-speaking clinic.
Key Phrases
Hola, tengo cita a las diez para hacerme unas pruebas.
neutralHi, I have an appointment at ten to get some tests done.
Standard way to announce your arrival at reception.
Vengo para lo de la vacuna de la gripe.
casualI'm here for the flu shot thing.
The phrase 'lo de' (the thing about) is very common in everyday spoken Spanish.
Quería pedir cita para hacerme unos análisis.
neutralI would like to make an appointment to get some tests done.
Using the imperfect 'quería' softens the request, making it polite but standard.
Vengo a ponerme la dosis de refuerzo.
neutralI'm here to get the booster dose.
Use 'ponerse' (to put on oneself) when talking about getting a vaccine.
Hoy me toca la segunda dosis, ¿verdad?
casualIt's my turn for the second dose today, right?
Using 'me toca' implies it is your scheduled turn.
¿Me tengo que descubrir el brazo izquierdo o el derecho?
neutralDo I have to uncover my left or right arm?
A very common question before receiving an injection.
¿Duele mucho el pinchazo de esta prueba?
casualDoes the pinch of this test hurt a lot?
The word 'pinchazo' is the everyday term for a needle prick or injection.
¿Qué efectos secundarios podría notar estos días?
politeWhat side effects could I notice these days?
The conditional 'podría' makes the question sound a bit more indirect and polite.
¿Es normal que tenga algo de fiebre después?
neutralIs it normal for me to have a little fever afterwards?
Uses the subjunctive 'tenga' because 'es normal que' triggers it.
¿Me puedo tomar un ibuprofeno si me duele luego?
casualCan I take an ibuprofen if it hurts later?
A common, direct way to ask about pain relief.
Me duele un poco el brazo donde me pincharon.
neutralMy arm hurts a bit where they injected me.
Useful if you are reporting an issue to staff after the fact.
¿Cuánto tiempo tardan en dar los resultados?
neutralHow long does it take to give the results?
A straightforward, standard question at any clinic.
¿Me enviarán un SMS cuando estén listos los análisis?
politeWill they send me an SMS when the tests are ready?
Uses the subjunctive 'estén' after 'cuando' to refer to a future event.
¿Me podrían hacer un justificante para el trabajo, por favor?
politeCould you write me a doctor's note for work, please?
A 'justificante' is the standard document given to employers to prove your medical attendance.
Necesito que me den el certificado para poder viajar.
neutralI need you to give me the certificate so I can travel.
Triggers the subjunctive 'den' because of the phrase 'Necesito que'.