can a foreigner in the U.S get vaxed (and should they?)

[semidevil 12]

we have a relative here waiting on their AOS approved, and they got their covid vaccine in their home country.  The problem is that it's been almost a year since their second dose, and the vaccine that they got did not have strong results to begin with (U.S is much better).

 

question:

1. Can a foreigner get the vaccine in the U.S?  How much will it be if they do not have insurance?

 

2. Since they already had prior doses, what is the most cost effective way to speak to a medical professional about whether they should get vaxed again?  Are their low cost or subsidized medical care we can look into? I've visited a doctor without insurance, so unsure who to ask or what to look for

[P055UM 286]

6 hours ago, semidevil said:

we have a relative here waiting on their AOS approved, and they got their covid vaccine in their home country.  The problem is that it's been almost a year since their second dose, and the vaccine that they got did not have strong results to begin with (U.S is much better).

 

question:

1. Can a foreigner get the vaccine in the U.S?  How much will it be if they do not have insurance?

 

2. Since they already had prior doses, what is the most cost effective way to speak to a medical professional about whether they should get vaxed again?  Are their low cost or subsidized medical care we can look into? I've visited a doctor without insurance, so unsure who to ask or what to look for

Others may be able to fill in with additional info - but the simple answer to your question is: yes, foreigners can be vaccinated in the US.

 

I am also in the position of AoS pending and received my third dose in December (two received in home country, third in US). I got it done at my nearest Walgreens by booking via their website. I do have insurance through my wife but my (admittedly limited) understanding is that even without insurance it is pretty cheap or even free.

[Adventine 3,201]

Yes, foreigners can get vaccinated. I received my first dose while my AOS was still pending. I only presented my passport (it was my only valid ID at the time) and my health insurance (I'm my husband's dependent). When I looked at the EOB (explanation of benefits), I saw that our plan didn't bill us anything for the vaccine. I also think it's free even for those who are uninsured.

 

We got our boosters without needing to consult a doctor first. If your relative is healthy, they can go right ahead and book an appointment at the closest pharmacy. If your relative has underlying medical conditions, best to speak with a medical professional. How much that would cost is dependent on where you go for medical care.

Edited January 7, 2022 by Adventine

[millefleur 5,047]

I know someone who was over here on a B visa and got vaxxed. I don't think there are any restrictions at all, you just show up at your local pharmacy, present an ID and get vaxxed. And then pay whatever needs to be paid, if anything.

 

10 hours ago, semidevil said:

Since they already had prior doses, what is the most cost effective way to speak to a medical professional about whether they should get vaxed again?  Are their low cost or subsidized medical care we can look into? I've visited a doctor without insurance, so unsure who to ask or what to look for

Look for "sliding scale clinics" that will take uninsured people based on their income. For subsidized health care like via Marketplace (with tax credits or Medicaid), they need to wait to obtain LPR status before qualifying.

 

[semidevil 12]

Thanks all.  It is for an elderly person and I just wasn't sure if "mixing" vaccine (either redo the vaccine or get  a booster) will cause any harm, so very hesitant to go and just do it.  That's why we just want to talk to a healthcare provider about this.

 

 

[top_secret 2,458]

I can say that at least around here (California) any foreign citizen, of any status, with any level of documentation or even complete lack thereof, that shows up at a vaccination site, gets free vaccine with no difficult questions ask.  I'm quite certain numbers are in the hundreds of thousands.

[Boiler 45,733]

In Colorado it is illegal to ask immigration status.

 

Seems easier just to tick no insurance otherwise you have a page full of additional information to fill in.