Immunizations for AOS

[Wulan & Ian 1]

Hello Again VJ members =) Our K-1 visa was approved and overall a smooth process. There is a important question that we hope some experienced members can advise.

When I had the medical exam in Indonesia at the appointed clinic that the US Embassy required, everything went well except that the hospital was out of 2 vaccinations. The Varicella and Td/Tdap were not available at the time. I had got the Td/Tdap done at another hospital prior to the medical exam, but the US Embassy appointed clinic failed to record that on the medical report. My question is should I have the Varicella vaccination done at a local hospital prior to entering the U.S., and what about the Td/Tdap I had it done at a local hospital (I do have the records)? I'm worried about the cost of seeing a civil surgeon and the getting vaccinations done in U.S.. What would be the easiest, cost effective, and safest way to handle this situation prior to POE and AOS in the United States?

We really appreciate all the help that was offered and given to us through this site and our journey. Hopefully our gratitude is also expressed through sharing of our experience with newer members. Thank you in advance!

Much ALoha,

WUlan & Ian

[Amhara 460]

Actually, your age may exempt you from either vaccine. However, I would suggest getting them anyways, just in case. During my husband's medical, they only gave him polio vaccine, even though we wanted them all. We didn't know he only got one vaccine until he got his passport back from the embassy - they kept his DS-3025. Then, at the POE, they also kept his DS-3025. We added him to my health insurance shortly after he arrived and we were able to get all the vaccines covered with no co-pay. Most of them (including the two you mention) he got at Walgreen's easily.

When we applied for AOS, we sent it off without the I-693 so we could get the process started. We weren't as fast as we could have been getting all his vaccinations, but he was approved for his GC before we could finish getting the last one - MMR! We still got the vaccine, but had to get that one at a doctor's office. If you plan to get under US health insurance, you may want to wait and get them stateside.

Check:

http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/exams/ti/civil/vaccination-civil-technical-instructions.html#i693

under "Table: Requirements for routine vaccination of adjustment of status applicants who are not fully vaccinated or lack documentation" for more information

BTW, I think my husband's medical was processed using a blanket waiver. We didn't have any documentation on any previous vaccines.

[ch3john 308]

When my wife did her medical last year for K1, the hospital was out of the Varicella vaccine also. We just submitted the AOS packet in hopes they wouldn't request it before approving her green card. She was approved and GC received without any questions.

The medical report she received from the hospital was marked "complete" so maybe that's why they didn't question it.

[Wulan & Ian 1]

When my wife did her medical last year for K1, the hospital was out of the Varicella vaccine also. We just submitted the AOS packet in hopes they wouldn't request it before approving her green card. She was approved and GC received without any questions.

The medical report she received from the hospital was marked "complete" so maybe that's why they didn't question it.

Thank you for sharing your experience. My fiancee also has her medical report marked as "complete", so maybe we'll chance it and submit the copy of DS-3025 with the AOS packet. I think it's also a good idea for her to get her Varicella vaccination done in Bali, just in case we receive a RFE. Did you also send a copy of your wife's DS-3025 when submitting the AOS packet?

Congratulations on your journey and receiving of your wife's GC!

Take care

[Wulan & Ian 1]

Actually, your age may exempt you from either vaccine. However, I would suggest getting them anyways, just in case. During my husband's medical, they only gave him polio vaccine, even though we wanted them all. We didn't know he only got one vaccine until he got his passport back from the embassy - they kept his DS-3025. Then, at the POE, they also kept his DS-3025. We added him to my health insurance shortly after he arrived and we were able to get all the vaccines covered with no co-pay. Most of them (including the two you mention) he got at Walgreen's easily.

When we applied for AOS, we sent it off without the I-693 so we could get the process started. We weren't as fast as we could have been getting all his vaccinations, but he was approved for his GC before we could finish getting the last one - MMR! We still got the vaccine, but had to get that one at a doctor's office. If you plan to get under US health insurance, you may want to wait and get them stateside.

Check:

http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/exams/ti/civil/vaccination-civil-technical-instructions.html#i693

under "Table: Requirements for routine vaccination of adjustment of status applicants who are not fully vaccinated or lack documentation" for more information

BTW, I think my husband's medical was processed using a blanket waiver. We didn't have any documentation on any previous vaccines.

Appreciate you sharing your experience with us, thank you! I think we will get the Varicella done here in Indonesia, then just send the AOS packet with a copy of the DS-3025. If my fiancee receives a RFE, then we'll got see a CS and have the I-193 completed.

Sorry to hear they didn't give you a copy of the DS-3025 for your AOS, but seems like everything worked out for you and that's what's important. Congratulations on your journey and receiving of your husbands GC =) Take care and good luck.

[Amhara 460]

You actually don't need the DS-3025 at all for the AOS. The IO doesn't use it; they use the documents in the sealed envelope that's given up during POE.