Medical Exam - "Insufficient Time Interval" on worksheet

[AmericanExpat 18]

My wife's interview at the KL Embassy is in 3 days, on 19 Feb.

We just got back the medical exam sheet, and at the exam, she was given a few vaccines. However, out of the ones missed because "not age appropriate", there is one that was not given because of "Insufficient Time Interval", between one vaccination shot, and another in a series.

It says that Blanket waiver(s) To Be Requested if Vaccination not medically Appropriate.

The vacine series that wasn't given was the TDAP. She could only get the 1st shot, but could not be given the entire series.

Has anyone else run into this issue at the KL Embassy or elsewhere? Is it a problem? Do CO's customarily grant the waiver and the remainder given in the US prior to AOS or what?

[bamg 9]

It wont create any problem in getting the visa. Just make sure that she gets her remaining shots on time.

[AmericanExpat 18]

There is not enough time to get the remaining shots before the interview.

Her next shot in the series cannot be given for 6 weeks. Her interview is in 3 days.

The forms says that blanket waivers are granted... but I've never heard of this before.

[elle13 15]

I don't know the definite answer to this question but my understanding of the role of the medical exam is this: US immigration law requires certain vaccinations. The doctor must either confirm that your wife meets these requirements or state that it is "medically inappropriate" for her to receive any one or more of the required vaccinations.

It looks like the doctor is stating that the two vaccinations are "medically inappropriate" - the first due to your wife's age, and the other due to there being insufficient time. What I am not sure of is what the CO will decide to do with that information. I really hope you get your visa on time!

I'm in the same boat as you guys (Malaysian too), although I've been blessed to be able to travel on my B2 visa to visit my husband in the US while waiting for my immigrant visa. Not as far along as you guys are, but we've finally submitted the last of the DS-230 documents to NVC yesterday (Malaysia police cert which took forever, my fault for not applying for it sooner!). Out of interest, could you not have scheduled a medical exam as soon as you knew your case was being forwarded to the KL embassy? The reason I ask is because I've been thinking of scheduling prior to NVC case completion but am not sure if it's a good idea.

[AmericanExpat 18]

I don't know the definite answer to this question but my understanding of the role of the medical exam is this: US immigration law requires certain vaccinations. The doctor must either confirm that your wife meets these requirements or state that it is "medically inappropriate" for her to receive any one or more of the required vaccinations.

It looks like the doctor is stating that the two vaccinations are "medically inappropriate" - the first due to your wife's age, and the other due to there being insufficient time. What I am not sure of is what the CO will decide to do with that information. I really hope you get your visa on time!

I'm in the same boat as you guys (Malaysian too), although I've been blessed to be able to travel on my B2 visa to visit my husband in the US while waiting for my immigrant visa. Not as far along as you guys are, but we've finally submitted the last of the DS-230 documents to NVC yesterday (Malaysia police cert which took forever, my fault for not applying for it sooner!). Out of interest, could you not have scheduled a medical exam as soon as you knew your case was being forwarded to the KL embassy? The reason I ask is because I've been thinking of scheduling prior to NVC case completion but am not sure if it's a good idea.

You really are lucky. My wife tried to get a B2 to visit my family with me after we got married, but it was denied... because she was married to a US citizen. At that point we had no plans to move to the US, but since then the military recalled me, so I have to return. Be careful they don't find out and deny you entry on one of your trips!

There are only 3 clinics in Malaysia that can give the medical exam for the US Embassy. 1 in KL, 1 in Penang, and the other in Sabah. None of them will allow you to make an appointment until you have receive the interview letter with the date of interview. They won't even tell you how much the exam will cost unless you have a date (It was RM570 for us). The exam is also valid only for 6 months. What you could do is go to your regular doctor, get the vaccines there, and just provide proof of them when you go to the exam. We did that, got a few out of the way, but most clinics don't stock all the vaccines that the US medical exam requires, including the Tdap vaccine.

That vaccine cocktail is in 3 shots. 1st, then booster 4-6 weeks after the first, then the final 6 months after the second.

That's what we're worried about now, because there was no info about that, and she could only get the 1st shot of the series at the exam.... Now it's interview time

Start getting your shots now at your regular doc, and save the records of everything you get!

[elle13 15]

@AmericanExpat - praying you get your visa and there are no complications or delays. It really shouldn't be this complicated and lengthy for legitimate couples like us who are going through the proper legal channels.

Yes I've been lucky with the B2: the immigration officers do ask the purpose of my visit every time I arrive in the US, and I am always honest with them. I tell them I'm visiting my husband. The question that inevitably follows is "Are you coming here to live?". I always reply no and tell them when I'm leaving the US. They sometimes also ask what I do for a living, but other than that, there are no further questions. Have never been asked to produce documentation evidencing my return although I will normally have my return itinerary with me just in case.

I noticed you expedited - congratulations on getting through within such a short timeframe! My husband is ex-military, recently discharged so we have no real grounds at present for expediting. The wait continues!

Thanks for the tip about the shots. Will arrange to get those done.