Get Vaccinated before you travel To USA

What are the Vaccines Required for Immigration to the US?

As a travel destination, the United States of America invites you to the most amazing locales for the perfect travel escapades. From man-made structural wonders like the Statue of Liberty to natural attractions like the massive migration of Sandhill Cranes through Nebraska - there is so much to see and explore.

It is simply the charm of this fascinating land that many people have a desire to migrate to America and experience a high standard of living. However, there are some immigration laws to keep in mind. One of them is the new vaccination criteria. It is necessary for US-bound travelers to get vaccinated against infectious diseases so that their health remains protected. Vaccinations are as important as getting travel insurance for USA since they both work to safeguard you in emergency situations.

According to the regulations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)/Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all immigrant applicants need to take a medical exam.

Here is more information

About the New Vaccination Criteria for Immigration to the US

As part of the medical exam, the applicants need to provide proof that they have received certain vaccinations. In case they do not provide the proofs, the vaccines must be given during the medical exam as stated in the law.

The new vaccination criteria given by the CDC is important for deciding which vaccines are required for the immigration process. The CDC would consider these criteria, at regular periods and as required, for vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the common public in the USA.

The criteria are mentioned below:

• The vaccinations should be age-appropriate for the applicant
• They should offer protection against a disease with the potential to cause an outbreak
• The vaccinations must provide protection against a disease which is being eliminated or has already been eliminated in the country

There are recommendations made by ACIP, on the vaccines for particular age-range in the general public in the USA, and which would be used for deciding which vaccinations are age-appropriate for the people immigrating to the US. The mentioned criteria would be applicable to the vaccines that are ACIP-recommended and which are not specifically stated in the immigration law.

In case a specific ACIP-recommended vaccine for the common US population fulfills the criteria, international immigrant applicants are required to get the vaccine during their immigrant medical exam. They will be exempted if they have proof that they have already received a particular vaccine or if it is not medically advised.

Those immigrant applicants who are already in the country and are planning to become permanent residents by changing their visa status also require the same vaccines. They will be exempted if they show proof of already having received the vaccine or if it is not medically advised.

>>Check: Travelling to USA From India

Important Vaccinations for Immigration to the US

Presently, immigrants to the US require vaccinations for the following diseases:

• Measles
• Polio
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Tetanus and diphtheria
• Pertussis
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
• Varicella
• Rotavirus
• Pneumococcal disease
• Meningococcal disease
• Seasonal influenza

In the medical exam, the applicants will require just one dose of each vaccination but they are encouraged to get other doses to complete each series.

If a vaccine is not available, a civil surgeon refers to the applicant to a place where the vaccines are provided. If the vaccination is unavailable in the country, a blanket waiver may be granted through the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

How Early Should You Get Vaccinated?

Travelers moving to the US should get their vaccinations at least one month before the start date of their journey. So, get an appointment with a healthcare provider and obtain vital medicines as well as vaccines. Planning would also give you sufficient time to receive another shot or booster dose if required.

How Long Does the Immunity Stay?

The vaccinations are administered much ahead of time so that they start working when you would be visiting the destination country; and thus, giving you complete protection against potential diseases. The time up to which the immunity would last depends on the type of vaccine. It is always advisable to check with your healthcare provider and maintain records of your vaccination.

If you are an avid traveler, do no miss an opportunity to witness the countless travel experiences that the country has in store for you. Also, remember to safeguard your trip by choosing travel insurance by Care Travel Insurance to ensure that your travel budget is not affected by any medical or non-medical emergency you might face.

Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.