HPV vaccine question

[Izoom 0]

Well despite the disapproval of some people, I guess its something we'll just have to grit our teeth and do it.

Thanks for the info.

[TheATeam 0]

The only way you can get around it without a waiver and without having to have it at AOS is if you're allergic to ingredients in the vaccine like latex. Then you'd have your doctor write a letter stating that and then it would be written as not recommended on your vaccination worksheet.

[Southern_Canadian 0]

I remember back in February when I first started hearing about HPV and it being required for the Visa. I never got a straight answer so, I got the first one just to be on the safe side. Then I heard that we had to have all 3 for AOS. So, I got my second one. When I went for my medical in Canada, the Dr. said that HPV was NOT required at all.. and he didn't even write down that I had received the first two. I was obviously approved at the interview.. and there was nothing that said I got the HPV vaccination.

Noww.. I'm doing AOS and need to get my I-693 filled out. The Dr. said that he would need a letter from my Dr. in Canada indicating the dates that I received the vaccination because it was required for AOS. They also told me that all three were required to be approved. I got the third one on Thursday... just to be on the safe side.

It's hard when one Dr. says that it isn't required and then another says that it is.

Oh another thing... Did she ever get a TB skin test?? Again.. the Dr. in Canada said that it wasn't required.. but the one here says that it is!

[Izoom 0]

Given that us VJ's represent a small minority of the people going through this process, the lack of clear, concise information is disappointing.

I'm not in any way suggesting that is a VJ member's fault, but rather the lack of information on some matters and the overflow of it on other matters.

I wish there were clear cut answers, but I suppose that every case is slightly different, so one "cover all" solution wouldn't work. She is going to get

the first shot and be done with it so that there is no chance of mistakes or questions in Montreal. We've waited this long and already booked plane tickets

a week later, so its the home stretch now.

[Galateia 1]

Given that us VJ's represent a small minority of the people going through this process, the lack of clear, concise information is disappointing.

I'm not in any way suggesting that is a VJ member's fault, but rather the lack of information on some matters and the overflow of it on other matters.

I wish there were clear cut answers, but I suppose that every case is slightly different, so one "cover all" solution wouldn't work. She is going to get

the first shot and be done with it so that there is no chance of mistakes or questions in Montreal. We've waited this long and already booked plane tickets

a week later, so its the home stretch now.

Part of the problem is that VJ members aren't getting clear, concise information from the USCIS and their affiliates. I shudder to think how bad it is for people who are trying to face this process without VJ, or worse- spending money on a lawyer who isn't helping, as some of the horror stories detail.

The governmental left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. Some panel physicians are told one thing, evidently some are told another. Embassies have different preferences and requirements. Border Guards are oblivious, SSN offices are uninformed, people are told one thing by one rep and then another by a different rep. Do K-1s have work authorization, for example? Depends who you ask, even the US government isn't consistent.

In general, the lack of clear, concise, consistent information in regards to immigration is disappointing.

[TheATeam 0]

That is so true Galateia. When I went for my medical in April the panel physician said because the requirement was so new for Gardasil that if I didn't want to have it, that he'd mark it not applicable or whatever that category there is. That being said, panel physicians in Toronto for example said it was mandatory and there was no option. Anyway....this whole process would be so much better if everyone was consistent among countries, among one side of the department to the other, and just in general. It's ridiculous how people can "interpret" the rules differently.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Probably depends who the Dr's get their information from as well. They may talk to one USCIS rep and be told this, whule another DR talks to another Rep and gets told that,lol no different when you call and speak to someone at the consulate or USCIS!! Everyone seems to interpret information their own way, easily done with medical situations. Some Dr's personal beliefs are high for vaccinations, some are not, and they allow their personal beliefs to play a role in their decisions! I'm sure when a consulate worker sees a memo from the Dr stating this person can't have the shot, they say ok, he is a Dr!! Like anything else with this process, nothing is concrete.

[Reba 2]

Because in February when Southern Canadian went for her medical, it WASN'T yet mandatory. Its only been mandatory since June of this year, according to the article posted.

[Southern_Canadian 0]

I went for my medical in July. I knew back in February that by the time I got my approval and stuff, that I'd have to schedule my medical in June or July.. which is when HPV was made mandatory. I decided to get the first one to get it out of the way because it was a long process to finish.. if needed to be finished. When it came time to book my medical, one Dr. in Ottawa said that it was mandatory and one said that it wasn't. I just wish we could get a clear answer on things.

[Izoom 0]

Well I think as long as we VJ's continue to post our experiences as we progress through this process, then those who

follow will hopefully be better equipped to answer questions. It may not be the best for us, but at least they will have

access to information that we may or may not have had at this point.

[Southern_Canadian 0]

I agree and that is why I have posted a lot of stuff on my own experience with the HPV vaccination. It's harder for us because it was recently made mandatory. At least we can help people in the future.. just like people on here have helped us from their experiences.

[SapphireDreams 71]

Southern_Canadian - I'm wondering about the TB skin test too. I think it was just made mandatory as well, but wasn't previously. I read it on a USCIS page, but I can't find where I originally read it.

[Krikit 1,163]

Part of the problem is that VJ members aren't getting clear, concise information from the USCIS and their affiliates. I shudder to think how bad it is for people who are trying to face this process without VJ, or worse- spending money on a lawyer who isn't helping, as some of the horror stories detail.

The governmental left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. Some panel physicians are told one thing, evidently some are told another. Embassies have different preferences and requirements. Border Guards are oblivious, SSN offices are uninformed, people are told one thing by one rep and then another by a different rep. Do K-1s have work authorization, for example? Depends who you ask, even the US government isn't consistent.

In general, the lack of clear, concise, consistent information in regards to immigration is disappointing.

Galateia for Ombudsman!.... errrr..... ombudswoman...... person..... thingy.

[Southern_Canadian 0]

Southern_Canadian - I'm wondering about the TB skin test too. I think it was just made mandatory as well, but wasn't previously. I read it on a USCIS page, but I can't find where I originally read it.

From looking at your timeline, I take it what you haven't had your medical yet?? If that is the case.. then you will need your TB skin test. (I believe it became mandatory in July?) I did it here in Georgia and it was only $20.. but I had to call around to find a good price. If you didn't get it done when you were younger, I'd say get it in Canada and save yourself some money.

This is where I got my answers from a helpful VJ friend..

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;#entry2205190

Edited October 10, 2008 by Southern_Canadian

[BermyCat 1]

I find it so strange that different consulates seem to go by completely different rules. The consulate in Bermuda specifically said to skip the vaccination section of the medical. I think I'm going to get the appropriate ones done anyway since I bet Phil's insurance in Atlanta won't pay for them. I know my insurance here will pay for any non-experimental vaccine that my doctor reccomends for me.

Luckily, I'm over the age range for the HPV vaccine.

~ Catherine