ESOne of the mandatory requirements to complete your residency process for the United States is to meet the vaccination schedule authorized by the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the U.S. Consulate General. However, many people arrive at their appointment without an official document or vaccination card to verify their vaccination history. This situation is very common; nevertheless, not having a vaccination card or official proof is not a problem to move forward with your process.
If this is your case, at Clínica Médica Internacional we have doctors prepared to help you meet this requirement by administering the necessary vaccines during your visit, at the clinic, and as part of your medical exam. It is important that you consider the time and costs associated with this additional service.
What happens if you cannot verify your vaccination history?
The medical exam for the U.S. residency visa requires proof that you have been vaccinated against a specific list of preventable diseases. This is part of the protocol required for all visa applicants, such as the immigrant visa, permanent residency visa, or adjustment of status.
It is common for many patients to arrive at their appointment without any document verifying they have been vaccinated, such as a vaccination card or official physical record.
What options do you have if you do not have your vaccination card?
Instead of postponing your appointment or stopping your immigration process, these are the alternatives available when you visit an authorized immigration medical clinic like Clínica Médica Internacional (CMI), so you can comply with the standards set by the U.S. Consulate General and the CDC.
Vaccination during your appointment
At CMI you can complete the required vaccination schedule on the same day as your medical exam, according to your age group and health conditions. Our medical team will review your vaccination card, your age, and will administer only those vaccines you are missing to comply with the U.S. vaccination schedule.
Presenting various official documents
If you have medical prescriptions, letterhead and stamped documents, or photos of your vaccination card as proof of vaccination, you can present them. Our medical staff will determine if the information is valid and will review the types of vaccines to administer only those necessary to help you complete the U.S. vaccination schedule.
Personalized medical evaluation in case of special health conditions or contraindications
In the event of any medical contraindication or special condition, such as pregnancy or autoimmune diseases, the clinic’s medical team can help you manage specific exceptions, as long as you present documents that support your medical history.
Which vaccines are mandatory for the U.S. visa?
The list of mandatory vaccines changes over time, but in general includes:
- Hepatitis A: in children, required up to age 18.
- Hepatitis B: in adults, required up to age 59.
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): required for people born in 1957 or later.
- Varicella: required for both children and adults.
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis: required for both children and adults.
- Influenza: seasonal requirement from 6 months of age onward.
- Pneumococcal: required for those born before 1956.
- Meningococcal: 2 doses; the first between ages 11 and 15, and the second between ages 16 and 18.
- Prevnar 13: required in 4 doses: at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and up to 4 years of age.
The administration of each vaccine will depend on your age and medical condition, as well as the required doses. Remember that we follow the U.S. vaccination schedule, which may differ from Mexico’s in terms of boosters and vaccine types.
You can check the official updated vaccine list.
Will I have to pay for the vaccines?
Yes. You must cover the cost of the vaccines administered at the clinic; these costs are not included in the price of the immigration medical exam.
It is important to note that you will be informed of the total number of vaccines you need and the total cost for your authorization. No vaccines are administered without your prior consent.
What should I bring to my appointment if I don’t have a vaccination card?
Although it is not mandatory to present your vaccination card, it is recommended to bring any official document that may serve as proof for evaluation. This includes:
- Photos of your Mexican vaccination card (even if incomplete, as long as it contains the applicant’s full information, the health institution’s seal, and photo).
- Photo of your U.S. vaccination card on both sides, with complete applicant information.
- Previous medical notes with patient information and the physician’s professional license number.
- Documents from national health campaigns, as long as they have the health institution’s seal and date.
This documentation can help reduce the number of required vaccines.
How do I know I’m meeting the immigration medical requirements?
Your immigration medical exam includes:
- Complete physical evaluation.
- Vision test.
- General medical history.
- Chest X-ray.
- Laboratory tests.
- Administration of necessary vaccines.
The completion of these steps is verified and recorded by a physician certified by the U.S. Consulate General. All results are delivered in the official format, including the sealed report you must present at your consular interview.
Final recommendations for those without a vaccination card
Do not postpone your appointment just because you do not have your vaccination card or cannot verify your history; remember that on the day of your medical appointment we can vaccinate you so you can fulfill this requirement.
Keep in mind that the price of vaccines is additional to the cost of the medical exam. To plan your total budget, check the vaccine costs at official clinics authorized by the U.S. Consulate in Cd. Juárez.
If you are traveling from another city, plan your appointment in advance at https://citasonline.cmi-medical.com/
Conclusion
Not having your vaccination history is not an obstacle to completing your immigration medical exam, but it does require that you be informed and prepared in advance. At Clínica Médica Internacional, we provide the necessary vaccines to comply with the schedule required by the U.S. government, in a clear and professional manner.
The process of migrating to the United States requires complying with very strict protocols. At CMI you can do so in a reliable, transparent, and efficient way, in Cd. Juárez. We guarantee valid results on time for your appointment; we are an official clinic authorized by the U.S. Consulate General for over 40 years. Book your appointment soon: https://citasonline.cmi-medical.com/