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Immunizations
The U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act requires
people seeking immigrant visas to show proof of immunization against
certain preventable diseases. You likely received a list of immunizations
for vaccine-preventable diseases. However, NO ONE is required
to have all of the vaccines listed on the page in order to fulfill
the vaccination requirements. The specific vaccines that you need
to show proof of receiving depend upon your age.
See what immunizations you need according to
your age group.
Below are some answers to frequently asked
questions about immunizations.
- Why do I need these vaccinations if they are not required
in my home country?
Immunization requirements may differ from location to location.
That being the case, your doctor may tell you that the vaccine(s)
are not required for health reasons in your current place of
residence. However, unless there is a valid medical reason known
as (contraindication) as to why you
cannot have the vaccine or you can prove to the Consular Official
who processes your application that vaccination would be contrary
to your religious beliefs or moral convictions, it is necessary
for you to be in compliance with the vaccination requirements.
- How do I bring written proof of my immunizations?
You must provide the panel physician with a written record of
your vaccine history. Ideally the written proof should list
each dose of each vaccine you have been given -- the date (month,
day, year) and who gave you the vaccine. You cannot simply tell
the panel physician that you had vaccinations as a child. We
cannot accept notes from your doctor like: "Vaccinations
up to date" or "Does not require additional vaccines."
When no written vaccination history is available, you may present
the Panel Physician with written laboratory proof of immunity
in the form of antibody titers. A
titer report should be dated and either be on your doctor's
letterhead or be a copy of the actual laboratory report. Your
personal physician can arrange the necessary blood tests. However,
depending upon where you live, test results may not be available
for a number of weeks. When no written vaccination history is
available, but you can recall receiving immunization injections,
we strongly recommend you discussing having antibody titres
to determine whether additional immunizations are medically
necessay.
- What if I unable to bring proof of my immunizations or
antibody titer results?
If you have no record of immunization and have chosen not to
have antibody titers done then you would be required to have
the vaccine(s) necessary to bring you into compliance with immunization
requirements.
- Where should I get immunizations if I require them?
We strongly recommend that you review the requirements for yourself
and your family well in advance of your appointment with the
panel physician and then go to your own family physician to
receive the injections. He or she knows you best. Vaccines received
from your own doctor may , depending on the vaccine and where
you live, be part of your provincial insurance plan. Your doctor
can obtain additional information from the Disease Control Web
sites or by emailing us at panel.physicians@seidenhealth.com
- Are there any exceptions to written proof of immunization?
You may, verbally, provide the panel physician with a reliable
history of having chickenpox in which case you will not be required
to have the chickenpox / varicella vaccine nor provide antibody
titer proof of immunity. You must have written proof for all
other immunization requirements.
- Do I still need immunizations if I am pregnant, breastfeeding
or trying to get pregnant?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not exempt from immunization
requirements unless there is a medical contraindication to them
receiving a specific vaccine. You will need a legible note from
your doctor outlining the reason for the contraindication. For
additional information on immunizations and pregnancy click
here.
It is wise, when in doubt, to bring all immunization documentation
that you have to your appointment.
If you would like to visit some web sites to obtain further information
on U.S. Immunizations Schedules Click
Here
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