Vaccine waiver for Varicella if already had chicken pox?

[lgb2015 51]

Hi! Has anyone received a waiver on they I-693 for the varicella vaccine because they already had chicken pox? In the UK most people have chicken pox as a child, and the fact I had it is noted in my child health records (of which I have a scan copy). I had my medical examination today and the civil surgeon wasn't sure what to do. I was wondering if anyone had a waiver for this, and if so how it was noted on the I-693, or have people who had chicken pox just had the varicella vaccine again anyway? 

 

Thank you!

[NancyNguyen 1,658]

You don't need to give him anything just tell him you got chicken pox already, then he will mark it VH on i-693.

[lgb2015 51]

32 minutes ago, NancyNguyen said:

You don't need to give him anything just tell him you got chicken pox already, then he will mark it VH on i-693.

Thank you! He didn't seem to want to do that, he said he couldn't verify my childhood health paperwork from the UK. I said I would review the guidelines again today and we can discuss when I go in a few days once my other lab results are in. 🤦‍♀️

 

I agree with the purpose of a medical exam, but I feel like it's a money-making mission for many! Every civil surgeon I spoke to would only take cash... that seems fishy to me!? Anyway, thanks for your help! If I need to have the vaccine then obviously I'll do it, but keen to avoid things I don't need if possible!

[yuna628 9,726]

Did you have your paperwork from the UK when you had your medical that would have all noted vaccinations and waiver for already having chickenpox.

 

If the civil surgeon doesn't know what to do, it's time to find one that knows what they are doing. Chickenpox vaccination is not applicable to you and useless. 

[SalishSea 18,161]

6 hours ago, lgb2015 said:

Every civil surgeon I spoke to would only take cash... that seems fishy to me!?

It's not fishy.  It's normal for services that are not covered by health insurance.

[lgb2015 51]

7 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

It's not fishy.  It's normal for services that are not covered by health insurance.

Thanks for clarifying!

[cyanmavi 101]

I also had chicken pox as a child and just told the doctor that. Did not have documentation, just the memories (and a couple of little scars which I did not have to show to demonstrate evidence). I recently checked my paperwork and I got a waiver for Varicella vaccine.

[kippenpox 18]

I was in the same situation: had chickenpox as a child but no paperwork to prove it. Surgeon told me he believed me but that it was his signature on the line so I'd either get the vaccine or the antibody test. I got the vaccine on the spot because it was faster/cheaper.

[Celebi 141]

On 1/14/2021 at 4:44 PM, kippenpox said:

I was in the same situation: had chickenpox as a child but no paperwork to prove it. Surgeon told me he believed me but that it was his signature on the line so I'd either get the vaccine or the antibody test. I got the vaccine on the spot because it was faster/cheaper.

I was thinking of doing the same thing. I don't have any of my childhood vaccines anymore as we moved when I was a kid. If there is no side effect/s, I would prefer to just take the vaccine and get it over with. 

[kippenpox 18]

Yeah I just took it with zero side effects.

[Annevilwill 2]

13 hours ago, Celebi said:

I was thinking of doing the same thing. I don't have any of my childhood vaccines anymore as we moved when I was a kid. If there is no side effect/s, I would prefer to just take the vaccine and get it over with. 

Hi! I just saw this thread and I actually have some questions, wonder if you could help.

 

My childhood vaccination certificate was lost long time ago together with all my medical records. My mom only remembers for sure several vaccinations I did.

When it will be a time for medical check, what exactly do they check there? and if I have zero vaccinations record on me - what will they do? send me to antibody test for all? or just make all the vaccinations?

 

I was thinking to start doing the antibodies test medical examination, so by the time I go there - I have everything Do you think this is the right thing to do? I just also don't know what will be cheaper? Does everything include in med check up? or all additional stuff is due to additional fees? 

[lgb2015 51]

Just in case this is helpful for anyone: after my medical I went home and read all the USCIS and CDC guidelines again regarding vaccinations and immigration. I then shared the relevant sections with the doctor that explains that 'An applicant who provides a reliable written or oral history of varicella disease does not require laboratory confirmation or further vaccination. ' After this he said he was happy to write VH on my form and I was not required to have the vaccine or a lab test. I will update here is there is any RFE or anything that comes from my interview! 

 

@Annevilwill the CDC guidelines for civil surgeons completing I-693 Medicals are as follows:

 

• Review the applicant’s medical history and vaccination records.
• Assess the applicant’s needs, if any, for laboratory confirmation of immunity.
• Determine the vaccines the applicant needs based on his or her age, records, documented immunity, and information provided in Table 1.
• Assess for contraindications and precautions that might apply to the applicant.
• Administer vaccines, if indicated.
• Complete the applicant’s Form I-693 and give it to the applicant in a sealed envelope for USCIS, in addition to a copy for the applicant to keep.

If you do not have written vaccination records then I think they will have no choice but to either give you the lab tests to show immunity, or give you the vaccine. If you have an idea of what vaccines you've had then it will be cheaper to just have the lab tests for the more certain ones. For the ones you're not sure about you could ask the doctor for his advice. If you have time you could research lab test options in your area. If you find a cheaper option you could get the test for everything before your medical and it might save you time/effort later. Sorry I can't be more helpful!

[Annevilwill 2]

8 hours ago, lgb2015 said:

Just in case this is helpful for anyone: after my medical I went home and read all the USCIS and CDC guidelines again regarding vaccinations and immigration. I then shared the relevant sections with the doctor that explains that 'An applicant who provides a reliable written or oral history of varicella disease does not require laboratory confirmation or further vaccination. ' After this he said he was happy to write VH on my form and I was not required to have the vaccine or a lab test. I will update here is there is any RFE or anything that comes from my interview! 

 

@Annevilwill the CDC guidelines for civil surgeons completing I-693 Medicals are as follows:

 

• Review the applicant’s medical history and vaccination records.
• Assess the applicant’s needs, if any, for laboratory confirmation of immunity.
• Determine the vaccines the applicant needs based on his or her age, records, documented immunity, and information provided in Table 1.
• Assess for contraindications and precautions that might apply to the applicant.
• Administer vaccines, if indicated.
• Complete the applicant’s Form I-693 and give it to the applicant in a sealed envelope for USCIS, in addition to a copy for the applicant to keep.

If you do not have written vaccination records then I think they will have no choice but to either give you the lab tests to show immunity, or give you the vaccine. If you have an idea of what vaccines you've had then it will be cheaper to just have the lab tests for the more certain ones. For the ones you're not sure about you could ask the doctor for his advice. If you have time you could research lab test options in your area. If you find a cheaper option you could get the test for everything before your medical and it might save you time/effort later. Sorry I can't be more helpful!

Hi!! thanks, its actually helpful! I do have idea for most of them, I did them as a child. but apparently hospital can just issue the lab result but cannot give me any vaccination certificate, is that ok? with just test result for antibodies can I go to medical check up and the surgent will issue for me the vaccination certificate? 

[lgb2015 51]

3 hours ago, Annevilwill said:

Hi!! thanks, its actually helpful! I do have idea for most of them, I did them as a child. but apparently hospital can just issue the lab result but cannot give me any vaccination certificate, is that ok? with just test result for antibodies can I go to medical check up and the surgent will issue for me the vaccination certificate? 

The laboratory test is confirmation of your immunity, so I think that would be fine! You could always ask the doctor when you call to make your appointment just to double check. Good luck!