TDAP vaccine from SLEC

[chiaki26 9]

Hi everyone!

I had my medical last January 13-14. It went ok except for one hitch: they told me they ran out of the Tdap vaccine and I could just come back and get it.

I am currently finishing my time at work and between that and the holy week holidays I am not sure if I have time to go back to SLEC to get it. My flight is on April 19th.

Is it alright if I skip this vaccine? I am only asking because I heard that this one is optional.

Thanks!

[Al422 221]

Yes you can but you wiill then have to get it in the USA before you adjust status.

Try to look for clinics here so you get it for maybe $30 or so instead of the $120 to $150 a private doctor would charge you.

[GurkenSalat 48]

Some vaccines on the list may not be required, based on your age. Here's the full list of vaccines: http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/laws-regs/vaccination-immigration/revised-vaccination-immigration-faq.html#whatvaccines

And you can find out of Tdap is age-appropriate for you here: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/adult.html#quiz

I don't remember exactly, but I *think* I got that one, it was required. So no, not optional, unless it simply doesn't apply to you (age, compromised immune system, what have you).

As for getting it after entry to the US, I have no idea how that works and if it's allowed. Others seem to know, I'll let them answer

[Al422 221]

If you are K-1, none of the vaccines are required until you apply to adjust status. If you are Ir-1/CR-1, then all of them are required before the embassy will even let you see your green card.

The original poster here is K-1, hence nothing required until he adjusts status. I checked this before I posted.

[Greenbaum 12,258]

Here in lies the problem. The Tdap is required and is not necessary to travel as a K1 BUT the vaccination has already been paid for through your SLEC medical fee. If you decide not to get it at SLEC and travel onto the US then it is required before you can do your adjustment AOS. The paperwork is a little more involved and more money because you will have to get the shot and then pay for a Civil Surgeon to transpose your SLEC record with the tdap to the I-694 and send it in with your AOS package. More time and more money. So, it's your choice, save money to complete there at SLEC or pay money once in the USA.

[VOL 425]

Hi everyone!

I had my medical last January 13-14. It went ok except for one hitch: they told me they ran out of the Tdap vaccine and I could just come back and get it.

I am currently finishing my time at work and between that and the holy week holidays I am not sure if I have time to go back to SLEC to get it. My flight is on April 19th.

Is it alright if I skip this vaccine? I am only asking because I heard that this one is optional.

Thanks!

You should just quit your job now, It will cost more than a month or two salary to pay for vaccine and transcribe in USA...

[chiaki26 9]

Thank you for the advice everyone! I went back and got the Tdap vaccine finally

Just a walkthrough for those who are in a similar situation:

1.) Call SLEC and confirm if the vaccine you missed is available. They will verify your name, and the dates you were at SLEC. I was told it was available and I could get it within the week. They confirmed they have reserved a shot for me. Bring your vaccine record sheet and receipt.

2.) Once there, inform the guard at the ground floor that you are just returning to get a vaccine shot you missed the last time. You will be advised to proceed to the 2nd floor.

3.) Present your receipt to the 2nd floor receptionist.

4.) You will be called for a short interview. Then more waiting, then you'll get the vaccine you missed.

5.) Proceed to Releasing on the groundfloor. They will return your receipt, and an updated vaccine record sheet. They also provided me with a sealed envelope that I need to show at POE.

Should have taken no more than 15 minutes but that one shot still took half a day to complete >_< Anyway, hope this helps!

[Greenbaum 12,258]

Thank you for the advice everyone! I went back and got the Tdap vaccine finally

Just a walkthrough for those who are in a similar situation:

1.) Call SLEC and confirm if the vaccine you missed is available. They will verify your name, and the dates you were at SLEC. I was told it was available and I could get it within the week. They confirmed they have reserved a shot for me. Bring your vaccine record sheet and receipt.

2.) Once there, inform the guard at the ground floor that you are just returning to get a vaccine shot you missed the last time. You will be advised to proceed to the 2nd floor.

3.) Present your receipt to the 2nd floor receptionist.

4.) You will be called for a short interview. Then more waiting, then you'll get the vaccine you missed.

5.) Proceed to Releasing on the groundfloor. They will return your receipt, and an updated vaccine record sheet. They also provided me with a sealed envelope that I need to show at POE.

Should have taken no more than 15 minutes but that one shot still took half a day to complete >_< Anyway, hope this helps!

Thanks so much for your follow-up post. Here's to wishing you luck and safe travels.