BARBELITH underground
 

Subcultural engagement for the 21st Century...
This is an archived site closed to new users and posts
If you'd like to find out more read the FAQ


Vaccinations required by US Immigration

 
 
Abigail Blue
22:21 / 02.05.03
So I've just moved to the States, and, in order for me to be eligible to receive my visa, it was necessary that I undergo a medical exam. This I can understand, kind of (Though, if I were sick, why would I sneak into the USA for treatment? Wouldn't I stay in Canada, land of free health care?)


I was a few years behind (or my records were...), so I had to get diptheria and tetanus shots and all that other good stuff. But then they made me get the chicken pox vaccine, beacuse I've never had them. I hear the vaccine is pretty dangerous for adults (They warned me not to get pregnant for 3 months after being injected, so it can't be that safe) and, it could just be me, but I really don't think it's all that necessary. I mean, I know tonnes of folk older than me who've had chicken pox and survived, though they were miserable for a while.


So, I'm wondering whether chicken pox are such a big threat that I had to pay $85 to be vaccinated (and another $85 for the second dose) and not be eligible for a visa if I refused. Thoughts? It doesn't make sense to me.
 
 
Abigail Blue
22:40 / 02.05.03
Oh, and for any MDs out there:


I was told that the second dose should be administered 4-8 weeks after the first. If that time period expires without the second dose being administered (I "forgot"...) is the first shot rendered ineffective? Do I have to start over?


Understandably, the nice people at the INS help line don't know...