Canada Immunizations

[Candexan 2]

I have my immigration physical on Oct 12th in Vancouver. For my interview date in Montreal on Oct 27th. I won't have the flu shot that is required as there is no vaccine in BC until mid November. Any ideas? HELP!

[Inky 1,110]

Shots are required for AOS not for the K-1.

[Candexan 2]

I'm already married Inky.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Bring a statement from the Health Department that the vaccine is not available in BC until mid-November and ask if you can get it in the US - that 'may' work but I doubt it.

Why not contact a Panel Physician in Montreal and see if they have the vaccine available? If so, when you go to Montreal for your interview see you might be able to get it from them. It will cost you but if you can get it done, you can bring the proof with you to the interview. The only other option I can see is that they will interview you but hold off on 'making' a decision to approve the visa until after you submit proof that you have had the vaccination.

The vaccine is already available here at every corner pharmacy. Maybe you can take a quick trip over the border into the US if you are close and see if you can get a shot at a US location - they cost between $15 to $20 here. That may be another possibility.

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Also, moving this topic to the Canada forum as there may be others there who can address this Canada specific concern.

Edited September 29, 2011 by Kathryn41

[Candexan 2]

Bring a statement from the Health Department that the vaccine is not available in BC until mid-November and ask if you can get it in the US. When you are in Montreal for your interview see if it might be available there from one of the panel physicians. It will cost you but you may be able to get it done and bring the proof with you to the interview. The only other option I can see is that they will interview you but hold off on 'making' a decision to approve the visa until after you submit proof that you have had the vaccination.

Thank you Kathryn. I was panicking because I thought that if I didn't have it I wouldn't be allowed to have the physical. I will check into having it somewhere in Montreal. My Visa is already going to be held up as I know I will be denied and have to file 601 and 212 while there.

[Shirley Ann 6]

Bring a statement from the Health Department that the vaccine is not available in BC until mid-November and ask if you can get it in the US - that 'may' work but I doubt it.

Why not contact a Panel Physician in Montreal and see if they have the vaccine available? If so, when you go to Montreal for your interview see you might be able to get it from them. It will cost you but if you can get it done, you can bring the proof with you to the interview. The only other option I can see is that they will interview you but hold off on 'making' a decision to approve the visa until after you submit proof that you have had the vaccination.

The vaccine is already available here at every corner pharmacy. Maybe you can take a quick trip over the border into the US if you are close and see if you can get a shot at a US location - they cost between $15 to $20 here. That may be another possibility.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Also, moving this topic to the Canada forum as there may be others there who can address this Canada specific concern.

My understanding is that if the interview is before the vaccine is available, as is the case with Spring and Summer appointments, your proof is sent with AOS info.

I do not believe they hold up the decision for everyone waiting for the flu vaccine to be available. If that was the case there would be a huge backlog of approvals every year.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

My understanding is that if the interview is before the vaccine is available, as is the case with Spring and Summer appointments, your proof is sent with AOS info.

I do not believe they hold up the decision for everyone waiting for the flu vaccine to be available. If that was the case there would be a huge backlog of approvals every year.

Actually, that is a good point to consider. Thanks for bringing it up . The flu vaccination is one that is only seasonally required. I don't remember when the 'seasonal' start date is for the flu vaccine for immigration purposes, but yes, if it isn't until after your interview, you should be fine.

Edited September 29, 2011 by Kathryn41

[Piefre 15]

Hey Candexan, I found myself in the same pickle except my medical was on October 5. I sent an email to the medical place in Vancouver telling them that I couldn't get the vaccine until mid-October because it won't be available until then. They told me not to worry about it. If you're concerned I'd send them an email telling them the situation you find yourself in and they should get back to you in 1-2 days.

[ryanandjen04 1]

I had my Medical in August so I did not have my flu shot, I assumed it would be waived because of the timing but because I haven't had my interview yet do you think I should get it and provide proof? Do I have to get it at a certain place (ie panel physician) or can my family doctor do it? My medical paper work doesn't have the box that says I don't have all of my immunizations it has the waiver requested box checked though. i'm hoping its okay!! It sucks we can't open it to see what it says!

[canada_socks 97]

For those of us on a K1, do we need to get the flu shot before we file for AOS if we didn't have it for the medical/interview? Mine was in the spring and out of season, so I didn't have it. They checked off the waiver box too.

[Shirley Ann 6]

I had my Medical in August so I did not have my flu shot, I assumed it would be waived because of the timing but because I haven't had my interview yet do you think I should get it and provide proof? Do I have to get it at a certain place (ie panel physician) or can my family doctor do it? My medical paper work doesn't have the box that says I don't have all of my immunizations it has the waiver requested box checked though. i'm hoping its okay!! It sucks we can't open it to see what it says!

Your family doctor can do it and yes you need proof, you will need it when you do your AOS. If you can get it done before your interview great, just bring it (and a copy) with you.

If your interview is before the vaccine is available in your area then give the proof to Immigration with the package you hand in when you POE if you can. Keep the original though just in case you have to submit another copy with your AOS paperwork. Worse case scenario is that you have to get it as soon as you get into the U.S. and pay for it.

That is my plan anyway. I have an appt. to see my doctor before my interview and if I can't get the shot that day, I'll get a note from her confirming another appointment to have it before my POE since I don't plan to move before mid November. I may not need the note but since the time to get them starts in October, I want to make sure I cover all possible questions at the interview.

Someone else who has had a Fall interview may have other suggestions.

Good luck at your interview!

[Udella&Wiz 325]

For those of us on a K1, do we need to get the flu shot before we file for AOS if we didn't have it for the medical/interview? Mine was in the spring and out of season, so I didn't have it. They checked off the waiver box too.

It's not a big deal to get it if needed - its available everywhere from Target and CSV to your local grocery store pharmacy.

[Candexan 2]

Hey Candexan, I found myself in the same pickle except my medical was on October 5. I sent an email to the medical place in Vancouver telling them that I couldn't get the vaccine until mid-October because it won't be available until then. They told me not to worry about it. If you're concerned I'd send them an email telling them the situation you find yourself in and they should get back to you in 1-2 days.

Thanks Piefre!

Yes I emailed the place doing my physical and they said not to worry about it if it's not available yet.

[canada_socks 97]

It's not a big deal to get it if needed - its available everywhere from Target and CSV to your local grocery store pharmacy.

Yea I noticed that I see signs EVERYWHERE! Do they give you documentation stating you have it done? I assume I just submit a copy of that with my AOS...

[mikevee 0]

My medical is in Vancouver as well on Oct 19th I am just going to go to Bellingham Walmart and pay $25.00 for a flu shot. If you are in Vancouver it shouldn't be a problem to go to the US. I have never had a problem crossing the border and I cross on a weekly basis. Just be sure to be honest.