I-693 Vaccination Records...

[Yellowhead 12]

Called the doctors office of the civil surgeon who is doing my I-693 and the girl told me that I have to have a blood test for varicella... she said that it isn't enough to have it written on my form (was verbally confirmed at the medical in Vancouver BC as this is all they require). Is this true? Do I now have to go get the vaccination even though I have had chicken pox before? I have the scars to show it! Just seems like a huge hassle and a delay when I don't need it... I suppose I could just get the shot, but I hate putting more vaccinations in my body than I need to. Help!

Edited April 25, 2011 by hithalynn

[Ronnie&Hang 12]

This is the same situation with us awhile ago. The CS insisted that my wife needed the varicella shot. I called around and it costs up to $150 for the shot. We waited a bit and got a blood test through my insurance plan and was confirmed that she is immuned and does not need the shot.

Try to get a blood test and bring the result back to the CS. They should be able to finish your I-693. Good luck!!

[Yellowhead 12]

This is the same situation with us awhile ago. The CS insisted that my wife needed the varicella shot. I called around and it costs up to $150 for the shot. We waited a bit and got a blood test through my insurance plan and was confirmed that she is immuned and does not need the shot.

Try to get a blood test and bring the result back to the CS. They should be able to finish your I-693. Good luck!!

This is sooo good to know. I am covered in Canada still (I leave on Wed morning) and should be able to get the shot here, or at least get the record of it. Phew! I won't have insurance in the US for a while.

Edited April 25, 2011 by hithalynn

[Yellowhead 12]

This is the same situation with us awhile ago. The CS insisted that my wife needed the varicella shot. I called around and it costs up to $150 for the shot. We waited a bit and got a blood test through my insurance plan and was confirmed that she is immuned and does not need the shot.

Try to get a blood test and bring the result back to the CS. They should be able to finish your I-693. Good luck!!

Also, nice to see fellow Sacramento people on here!

[Yellowhead 12]

Just called another civil surgeon in the area and all THEY require is verbal proof. So I am good! I am going to that clinic instead

[Ronnie&Hang 12]

Just called another civil surgeon in the area and all THEY require is verbal proof. So I am good! I am going to that clinic instead

Oh yeah, I didn't see that you're from Sac too..good to hear you get this vaccination in order If you need a CS to sign off your I-693 for $25, there is one in downtown Sac I went to..let me know if you need the info..

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Just called another civil surgeon in the area and all THEY require is verbal proof. So I am good! I am going to that clinic instead

From the CS instructions here: http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/exams/ti/civil/vaccination-civil-technical-instructions.html#laboratory

An applicant who provides a reliable written or oral history of varicella disease does not require laboratory confirmation or further vaccination.

Also here in the immunisation list: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/adult/mmwr-adult-schedule.pdf

3) history of varicella based on diagnosis or verification of varicella by a health-care provider

You can see it actually specifies you need doctors proof... but you're right that the panel physician instructions stated verbal confirmation. Still... some CS's like to make up their own rules and those ones are best avoided.