Confused about Required Vaccinations

[Tom & Stacy 3]

Hi Folks,

Wondering if someone has recently went through the medical process in Canada and can give me some details about the required immunizations needed for a K-1 visa and later, AOS. So far I have pretty much everything needed but I'm confused about 3 immunizations. I'm 26 years old and would like to get everything completed in Canada before I arrive in the U.S. within the next few months.

I'm going by this list:

Vaccination Requirements for IV Applicants

I'm currently missing, Meningococcal, Polio and Pneumococcal.

Speaking with my family doctor, Meningococcal is an immunization for people under 18 years of age so I won't need that one (but she did mention that there IS an adult immunization if I do need it). She said that Pneumococcal is normally only given to older people who have lower immune systems. I have no record of ever receiving the Polio immunization and have read it's supposed to be given to you as an enfant. Am I too old to be given this vaccine now? Is it necessary for AOS?

My understanding is that the Panel Physician will determine which immunizations I will need for the K-1 and I think they'd agree that I don't need these 3. However, once I'm in the U.S. will I need these 3 to file for AOS? If so, I'd rather just get them all out of the way now.

Please help!

Thanks in advance!

[canafornia 7]

I got my polio as part of my last tetanus shot, ask for TDap specifically. Make sure you have had 2doses of MMR in your lifetime, I had to get another because when I was a kid one was enough. I never had the other two and passed my medical fine, don't think they are required for over 18.

[Tom & Stacy 3]

I got my polio as part of my last tetanus shot, ask for TDap specifically. Make sure you have had 2doses of MMR in your lifetime, I had to get another because when I was a kid one was enough. I never had the other two and passed my medical fine, don't think they are required for over 18.

I had TDap when I was a baby but thought the 'p' it stood for Pertussis.

Hummm, I'll have to investigate a little further I think.

I did indeed have the two does of MMR, thank God.

Edited June 22, 2012 by Tom & Stacy

[Jen and Mikey 13]

I was curious about the same thing and called the Dr. in toronto and was told that all I needed was a tetanus and flu... I'm 35 and hadn't had some of the ones on the list, but because we're older, we don't need them for example the Meningococcal and the Hep B...

here is a list of vaccines that are required from their site list of vaccines

basically you'll just need to make sure you've had the 2 MMR shots, recent tetanus, flu shot and then if you've had chickenpox you can just tell them you have or you'll need that shot too (or proof that you've had the shot).

Edited June 22, 2012 by Jen and Mikey

[Texas22 50]

My family doctor ordered me the antibody titers tests and then gave me a copy of the report. It showed I had the antibodies in my system... proof enough, plus I had my 10 year booster in March.

My children on the other hand.... each require the 3 doses of Hep B, the chicken pox vaccine, the menengitis vaccine, and those aren't cheap... we are working on them and have most done now to prepare for the medical in Toronto.

[pocheros 101]

Pneummococcal is only for 65+ year olds or people with respiratory problems, so you're okay there. MMR is important and you've had both doses of that so that's good too. Polio is probably considered medically inappropriate for your age. It's rare when an applicant has received ALL those vaccinations on the USCIS site; they understand that some are given at certain ages.

For the medical exam, this is what 18-64 year olds require: http://www.panelphysicians.com/Pages/Age6.htm You seem good to go.

Edited June 23, 2012 by pocheros

[Inky 1,110]

Flu shot is not needed unless it is flu season.

[Tom & Stacy 3]

Thank you everyone! I managed to track down proof that I had all polio vaccinations when I was a baby/child so I feel much more confident that I have everything I need for K-1 and eventually AOS! Wouldn't know what to do if VJ didn't exist. It is certainly helping us through this mesmerizing immigration process. Thanks again!