Immunizations

[Wolverine]

Hello everyone, a quick question about the K3 Visa and immunizations. I have read conflicting information that a spouse needs to have shots at the time of the medical exam at St Lukes and other information that a spouse just needs the shots by the time of the adjustment of status. Which is correct? Does anyone have a site to reference? Thank you.

[Wolverine]

... in response to Immunizations, posted by Wolverine on Feb 13, 2004

Thank you for the reference site Ray. That answers my question. Yes Bryan I am from Michigan...the LP..haha

[HaroldC]

... in response to Immunizations, posted by Wolverine on Feb 13, 2004

Specifically to getting the M(easles)M(umps)R(ubella) vaccination at St. Lukes just before interview. Most references say not to be pregnant within three or even four months of receipt (CDC says one month- but I have yet to determine if they refer to a different serum- anybody know what serum they use at St. Lukes?), which could be, ahh, awkward. (Yeah, yeah, if I had come through sooner, so to speak, this would be moot; but, hey, I'm an old man- and out of practice, OK?) It makes more sense to get it over with while waiting on USCIS. So, is there any way St. Lukes will certify vaccinations are complete without having done them, or can she go to St. Lukes for it now, on my dime? Also, I know there is a blood test for antibodies- I was given one at my last employment physical and thereby did not need the innoculation.

Since I'm on the subject- I understand that petition beneficiaries are given a chest x-ray which is examined for spots on the lung as a screening for TB. There are lots of false positives (as many as 50% I hear!), which causes a delay. I am sure they do it this way because it is quick. The popper (under the skin) test takes several days for results. Again, can something be done beforehand to prevent an unnecessary delay?

Thirdly, if anything does remain to be done in the US, are there only certain USCIS-approved doctors or can things be done under a health plan, if covered?

Thanks for any input.

H

[Ray]

... in response to Other alternatives?, posted by HaroldC on Feb 14, 2004

Hi Harold,

St Luke’s will only give them the vaccinations they need. If she has proof that she already had a vaccination somewhere else, then she won’t have to do it again.

The chest X-ray is one of the required evaluations and I don’t think there is any way around it. If she is pregnant or suspected pregnant, they will use shielding. I think they can use the skin test for TB if the patient is under 15 years old. If she brought her own X-ray, they may look at it, but they still must do their own as far as I know. If the X-ray has anything suspicious, they will do the sputum tests for active TB (3 days).

If she waits for the vaccinations in the U.S., you may be able to get them through your own doctor, but I believe that an INS panel physician has to sign off on her record. I remember one lady said it cost her $69 to get the signature only.

If you have any specific questions about St Luke’s procedures, pick up the phone and call them.

Ray

[HaroldC]

... in response to Re: Other alternatives?, posted by Ray on Feb 14, 2004

If she proves to St. Lukes she has had a vaccination, they will certify it to the satisfaction of US authorities?

Thanks, Ray.

[Ray]

... in response to Not to be anal, but ..., posted by HaroldC on Feb 14, 2004

I believe the way it works is this: The physician signs off on her Vaccination Supplement that she is in full compliance with the law, meaning that she has either had the appropriate shots during the medical exam or demonstrated that she already had them. The supplement is given to her at St. Luke's and then submitted along with the AOS package in the States.

Ray

[HaroldC]

... in response to Re: Not to be anal, but ..., posted by Ray on Feb 14, 2004

nt

[Ray]

... in response to Immunizations, posted by Wolverine on Feb 13, 2004

Actually both accounts are correct, depending on the type of spousal visa. For the IR-1 Visa, all applicable vaccinations are normally required at the time of the medical exam. For K & V Visa applicants, the vaccinations are not mandatory until adjustment of status.

http://uscis.gov/graphics/Medical_Exam.htm#whohas

Even though she won’t have to comply with the vaccination requirements as a K-3 applicant, I would strongly recommend that she get all of her required shots at St. Luke’s. They are included in the $95 fee and she will have to get them eventually anyway. It could cost you hundreds to do it in the States later on.

When she has the medical exam, they will probably hold up a giant needle in front of her face and ask her if she wants this now or does she want to have it later in the States. A lot of the gals are deathly afraid of needles and readily agree to have the shots later. Then they are shocked at the cost of having them here when they go in for the AOS. St Luke’s saves a bundle by talking them out of the shots. Tell her to get them there!

Ray

[bryan]

... in response to Immunizations, posted by Wolverine on Feb 13, 2004

I believe its AOS that it has to be done but i would do it there if I could. Woverine are you in Michigan, I live in the UP