ESExploring Vaccination Requirements in the Immigration Process
The journey to a new life in the United States requires more than just passports and paperwork; it demands an immunological shield to protect you and others. Here, we break down the crucial elements related to vaccines in the immigration process.
1. The Essential List: Mandatory Vaccines for the Residence Visa
From hepatitis to COVID-19, there is a specific list of vaccines required by the Department of State (in the Immigration and Nationality Act) and they are in accordance with the age groups, as indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States.
- Importance: Provides immunization against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.
- Age range: From 2 months to 6 years
- Importance: Protects against hepatitis A, a liver disease.
- Age range: From 12 months to 18 years
- Importance: Prevents hepatitis B, another liver disease.
- Age range: From newborns to 59 years
- Importance: Protects against serious Haemophilus influenzae type B infections.
- Age range: From 2 months to 4 years
- Importance: Prevents the flu, a respiratory illness.
- Age range: From 6 months and older.
- Importance: Prevents bacterial infections that affect the membranes around the brain and spinal cord.
- Age range: From 11 to 18 years.
- Importance: Protects against these viral diseases.
- Age range: Born in 1957 and later.
- Importance: Prevents bacterial infections in the lungs and other areas of the body.
- Age range: From 2 months to 4 years
- Importance: Another vaccine to prevent pneumococcal infections in the elderly.
- Age range: From 65 years and older.
- Importance: Prevents a viral disease that affects the nervous system and causes paralysis.
- Age range: From 2 months to 6 years
- Importance: Prevents one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis in young children.
- Age range: From 2 to 6 months (5 weeks – 8 months)
- Importance: Prevents the spread of the varicella virus and its complications.
- Age range: From 12 months and older.
COVID-19:
- Importance: Protects against infection by the virus, we have the latest vaccines to cover you against new serotypes.
- Age range: From 6 months and older.
2. Considerations for completing the vaccination schedule
In the process of attending your exam in Mexico, it is essential that you ensure you meet the vaccination requirements set by the American Consulate. It is crucial to understand that the vaccination schedule in Mexico differs from that of the United States, so if you already have a complete Mexican schedule, it is possible that you are missing some of the vaccines required by the U.S. authorities.
To determine what vaccines you need, we consider four key criteria:
1. Age: Age is a determining factor in identifying the necessary vaccines. Recommendations vary according to the stage of life, so it is crucial to verify the requirements corresponding to your age group.
2. History of illnesses or pregnancy: If you have had any illnesses or are pregnant, this can influence the vaccines required for your specific case. It is crucial to inform about your medical history to receive the appropriate recommendations.
3. Recent vaccinations: If you have not received a particular vaccine recently, this also affects the vaccination needs. Some vaccines may have restrictions on their administration within a specific time period.
4. Complete vaccination schedule: Some vaccines require multiple doses to complete the immunization schedule. For example, Hepatitis B requires three doses, while Varicella requires two. It is vital to verify if all the necessary doses have been administered.
3. Advance Consultation: Practical Tips to Prepare Your Vaccination Records
We recommend reviewing the vaccination schedule required by the United States government in advance. If you do not have the complete vaccination schedule, we will administer the missing ones during your immigration medical exam. Additionally, we will be providing you with an official vaccination certificate that you can exchange for a yellow card (Yellow Card) in the United States.
4. Why is it important to comply with the vaccination schedule?
Complying with the vaccination schedule is a fundamental component in the process of obtaining a residence visa in the United States. Beyond being a legal requirement, this practice plays a crucial role in preserving public and personal health. Here are the reasons why it is essential to comply with the vaccination schedule in this specific context:
5. Why It’s Important to Follow the Vaccination Schedule?
Following the vaccination schedule is a fundamental component in the process of obtaining residency visa in the United States. Beyond being a legal requirement, this practice plays a crucial role in preserving both public and personal health. Here are the reasons why it’s essential to comply with the vaccination schedule in this specific context:
Personal and Community Protection:
- Vaccines not only protect the individual receiving them, but also contribute to collective immunity. Complying with the vaccination schedule helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases, ensuring a safer environment for the applicant and the community in general.
Prevention of Serious Illnesses:
- Many of the vaccines required in the residence visa process are focused on preventing serious illnesses, some of which can have long-term consequences. Complying with the vaccination schedule is a proactive measure to avoid the risk of contracting and spreading diseases such as hepatitis, influenza, polio, among others.
Contribution to Public Health:
- Complying with the vaccination schedule is not only an act of self-care, but also a contribution to public health. Mass vaccination is a key component in controlling the spread of infectious diseases and keeping society healthy.
Adaptation to Current Policies:
- For example, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the inclusion of vaccination against this virus as a requirement for the residence visa shows the adaptability of immigration policies to current health conditions. Complying with this vaccine is essential to align with ongoing preventive measures.
Within the immigration process, vaccines are a fundamental part of taking care of yourself, your loved ones, and your new home… the United States!