MTL / Gardasil?

[jonandmary 0]

Mary had her medical exam today. They told her she had to have the Gardasil. The first shot was $160. She'll get her second shot in a few months. The third shot is due in 6 months tho.

I think we'll have our interview in June or July ......

Have we figured out if all 3 shots are required before the interview?

Oh, and she is going to be 26 in 2 months... they said she needed it. She'd have to be 27 for them to let her pass without it.

[CBR 0]

This is just my opinion, but I don't think they can require all 3 before the interview. I thought that the immunizations aren't even required for k-1 at the interview, just strongly encouraged. I read that they can't deny a k-1 visa based on immunizations needed. They DO require them when you go for AOS.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

And another opinion lol, I can't believe they are requiring Gardasil at all! It makes no sense to me. It's not required in the US (maybe some scattered areas, but certainly not in WI I know that for sure). My point by saying that is how can Montreal require it when everybody going through them is moving to a different state in the US? Doesn't seem right.

[jonandmary 0]

Yes ... everyone I have talked to is shocked that it is required.

I have read that the immunizations are not required until AOS - but I've read on VJ that Canada is different and it is required for the Visa.

[CBR 0]

Ohh, I didn't know that about Canada. That stinks. Still I'd think if she gets the first 2 doses and the 3rd in the US they should be ok with that. I haven't heard of anybody having to wait for an entire 6 month series to be completed before the interview. Wouldn't surprise me though, they seem to enjoy making our lives as miserable as possible.

You could try emailing the consulate. That would be the best way to get a definitive answer.

[TheATeam 0]

I also heard that it's different for Canada, which doesn't quite make sense to me. As soon as I get my Packet 3 from Vancouver I'm going to be emailing them regarding this situation. I want to know. People from the Phillipinnes are allowed to have their vaccines done at AOS. They simply tell the physician that they wish to have them done in the US. I understand that in Canada, it's probably cheaper to do it here, but I'd prefer not to have that vaccine at all!!

I'll let you know what I find out!

Edited to add: I'm pretty sure that you only have to have the first dose of Gardasil here. Once you have the first dose though, you MUST have the last two done, regardless of where you do it!

Edited March 7, 2008 by TheATeam

[CutienPurg 0]

I would seriously question the Gardasil requirement. Only one state, Texas, is making it manditory and their state legislator is pushing to have the governor's ruling overturned. Some other states are pushing to make laws for the requirement but so far it isnt the case. Even if certain states make it a requirement, that doesnt affect Federal Law requirements until the Fed Govt makes it so.

Personally I wouldnt force my daughters to get the shot as it hasn't been out and in use long enough to fully understand the long-term potential problems associated with it's use..........need I mention Vioxx?

[SapphireDreams 71]

I actually got my prescription for Gardasil today to get all three with my Dr. before I leave.

I discussed it with my Dr. and she thinks its a great shot and I agree with her. I think I would get it anyways, even if I didn't have it.

I really don't think there is anything to worry about. Yes its new to the market, but drugs go through A LOT of testing before it is released to the market.

It would be good to confirm whether or not you need to be 27 at the time of filing or at the interview stage though.

[~Laura and Nick~ 5]

Think I'm gonna just squeeze by here.

I'll be 27 on May 19th....I probably won't have my interview until after then and I'm gonna push my medical till just before...

I'm not getting it.

[Southern_Canadian 0]

I called Dr. Weiner's office, in Ottawa, and they told me that Gardasil is not required. So, I don't know if it's just certain Dr's wanting people to have it or not. I'm planning on waiting till I go for my medical exam and see. If they want me to have it then I'll get it.

[TheATeam 0]

I suppose everyone has a different opinion. My doctor was pretty upset that they'd ask me to have that vaccine. She said it's not mandatory there in the States so why should we be made to have it. Either way, because I'm almost 27, and for other reasons, I'm not really qualified to have it and she thinks it's pretty ridiculous that they'd ask.

On the medical sheet in Packet 3 don't they normally tell you which vaccines you need? If it doesn't say Gardasil on there, well then we shouldn't be made to have it.

[jonandmary 0]

Wrote MTL a week ago ... no word back yet

[TheATeam 0]

Well, I got my reply from the Vancouver consulate today. Needless to say, I'm about ready to cry. I don't understand why it's like this!

Here's what they wrote:

Yes, all applicants applying for K-1 or K-3 visa must fulfill the requirements of vaccines even though they are non-immigrant visas. If you are unable to go thru vaccines due to any particular reason then you must advise the panel doctor at the time of your medical appointment. If not then you are required to complete the vaccines requirements prior to the issuance of visa.

Thank you.

K Visa Unit

U.S. Consulate General Vancouver

It doesn't make sense to me that people from China, for example, don't need vaccines, but us here in Canada do?!

[jonandmary 0]

Well, I got my reply from the Vancouver consulate today. Needless to say, I'm about ready to cry. I don't understand why it's like this!

No word from MTL - I just sent them a fax. Even if we get the shots a week or two early each time she would be ready in August.... but they told us an interview would be possible in June. I dont want to get denied in June because the last shot will happen in August.

As long as Mary can move in September we will be happy and good. But since this process started we've been stressed and frustrated.

[TheATeam 0]

I'm almost positive that she only needs the first shot at the interview. I'm pretty sure that she doesn't need to complete all 3 here, as long as they're complete.

[Southern_Canadian 0]

I just don't know why the Dr. in Ottawa would tell me that I don't need it when other Dr's are saying that you do!

JohnAndMary.. when you get an email back could you let all of us know.

If we are required to get it then your fiance just needs to get the first one and then she can get the other two in the US.

I'd rather get as many as I can here because supposedly it is more expensive in the States and don't you have to pay to see the Dr??