Embarking on the immigration journey involves several important steps, and understanding the medical exam requirements is key. Many people have questions specifically about the necessary vaccines and lab work. Let’s address some of the most common concerns to help you prepare.
What if I don’t have proof of my vaccines but have already been vaccinated?
Lost your vaccination records? Don’t worry! You can try reaching out to your previous doctor’s office to see if they have those records. If that’s not possible, MedEx Pros can help. We can order lab tests called titers through our trusted lab partners, conveniently located right next to our office. These tests can confirm if you have immunity to certain diseases like MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Hepatitis B, and Varicella (Chickenpox).
Does your office check for immunity for past vaccines (Titers)?
Yes, at MedEx Pros, we can definitely order titer tests to check your immunity levels for required vaccines. Please keep in mind that there is an additional fee for this lab work. This option is particularly helpful if you’re confident you’ve been vaccinated in the past but don’t have the official documents – a common situation for many who come from other countries. Of course, you always have the choice to get revaccinated if you prefer.
What vaccines are required for the USCIS immigration medical exam for adults over the age of 18?
For adults, USCIS generally requires the following vaccines: Hepatitis B (up to age 59), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), MMR (up to age 49), Varicella, and Influenza (during flu season). It’s worth noting that the COVID-19 vaccine is currently optional.
What vaccines are required for the USCIS immigration medical exam for children under the age of 18?
The vaccine requirements for children are a bit different and include: Hepatitis B, DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) for ages 8 weeks to 7 years, Polio IPV (8 weeks to 17 years), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) for ages 8 weeks to 6 years, Hepatitis A (12 to 18 years), MMR (12 months and older), Varicella (12 months and older), Influenza (6 months and older), and COVID-19 (optional).
Do I need a COVID vaccine to see the doctor?
No, you do not need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to have your immigration medical exam. Recent USCIS regulations have made the COVID-19 vaccine optional.
Do you offer vaccination waivers if I cannot or prefer not to get vaccinated?
While we can certainly document your refusal to receive certain vaccines in your medical report, the ultimate decision on whether to accept this waiver rests with USCIS. For the best outcome, we recommend having your current physician provide a detailed report explaining the medical reasons or personal beliefs behind your decision. We will include this with our report to USCIS. Please note that we cannot create these detailed reports without a pre-existing patient-physician relationship.
Do you accept phone pictures of vaccination records?
Yes, we do accept phone pictures of official vaccination records as proof. However, to ensure clarity and avoid any potential issues, it’s ideal if you can have them printed out or emailed to us before your appointment.
Do you accept lab and urine work from other doctors or laboratories for the immigration medical exam?
For the immigration medical exam, USCIS has specific requirements regarding lab and urine tests. Therefore, we must use our designated laboratory for these tests. However, we do accept official vaccination records and titer results from other physician offices or labs.
How long is the Tdap vaccine valid for?
The Tdap vaccine offers protection for up to 10 years.
Do I need a Hepatitis B vaccine if I’m 27 years old?
Yes, current USCIS guidelines recommend that everyone up to the age of 59 receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. You can find more detailed information on the CDC website.
Can you order Tuberculosis screening IGRA?
Yes, we can perform Tuberculosis screening using the IGRA (Interferon-Gamma Release Assay) test through our lab partner, LabCorp, conveniently located next door.
Can you order Hepatitis B antibody tests?
Absolutely! We can order Hepatitis B antibody tests, also known as titers, through LabCorp next door to check for your immunity.
At MedEx Pros, we strive to make the vaccination and lab work portion of your immigration medical exam as clear and straightforward as possible. Our convenient location and experienced team are here to guide you through each step.
Have more questions or ready to schedule your appointment? Call us today at 321-250-9885.