No Records of Vaccines from 30–40 Years Ago (Though I Received Them)

[spider1988 2]

Let me first explain my situation. I am 42 years old and originally from another country. For Form I-693, I was told I need four vaccines (Hepatitis B, MMR, Polio, and Tdap). I know I received these vaccines back home 30–40 years ago, but I have no records. I even asked my parents, and they said that at that time paperwork for vaccinations was not typically provided.

 

Is there a way to verify through a blood test whether I already have immunity from these vaccines? If not, does that mean I will need to take all of these vaccines again? Also, I am not sure whether it is safe to take these vaccines twice, and to be honest, I am not a fan of shots. 

 

I’m sure many people my age who came from other countries and received their shots 30–40 years ago might not have the paperwork. Could you please share how you handled this situation?

Edited 22 hours ago by spider1988

[OldUser 10,403]

Yes, you can do you blood test for many and bring results to civil surgeon.

 

However, it may be more expensive than getting vaccine itself again.

 

Most of vaccines are safe to get again if you don't have records. If you already have immunity, vaccine won't do anything, because your body knows how to handle the virus. Vaccines typically have deactivated virus that is not harmful anyway. Many vaccines won't be given to you after certain age. Civil surgeon can analyse it on spot and give you everything necessary on the day of exam.

Edited 18 hours ago by OldUser

[appleblossom 4,900]

5 hours ago, spider1988 said:

Let me first explain my situation. I am 42 years old and originally from another country. For Form I-693, I was told I need four vaccines (Hepatitis B, MMR, Polio, and Tdap). I know I received these vaccines back home 30–40 years ago, but I have no records. I even asked my parents, and they said that at that time paperwork for vaccinations was not typically provided.

 

Is there a way to verify through a blood test whether I already have immunity from these vaccines? If not, does that mean I will need to take all of these vaccines again? Also, I am not sure whether it is safe to take these vaccines twice, and to be honest, I am not a fan of shots. 

 

I’m sure many people my age who came from other countries and received their shots 30–40 years ago might not have the paperwork. Could you please share how you handled this situation?

@OldUser has answered your question perfectly, but what’s this for? It’s just that your profile says H-1B, and there’s no medical/vaccinations required for that anyway as it’s a non-immigrant visa. 

[spider1988 2]

10 hours ago, appleblossom said:

@OldUser has answered your question perfectly, but what’s this for? It’s just that your profile says H-1B, and there’s no medical/vaccinations required for that anyway as it’s a non-immigrant visa. 

Sorry if I wasn’t clear earlier. I am in H-1B. My priority date is now current, and I am applying for I-485.

[appleblossom 4,900]

2 minutes ago, spider1988 said:

Sorry if I wasn’t clear earlier. I am in H-1B. My priority date is now current, and I am applying for I-485.

 

Ah, I see. So I-140 approved - EB1/2/3? Might be worth updating your profile with that instead as it's your current application that's key - and if you could fill in your timeline that would be much appreciated. There aren't many of us EB applicants around so the more data we have the better.

 

Good luck. 

[spider1988 2]

10 minutes ago, appleblossom said:

 

Ah, I see. So I-140 approved - EB1/2/3? Might be worth updating your profile with that instead as it's your current application that's key - and if you could fill in your timeline that would be much appreciated. There aren't many of us EB applicants around so the more data we have the better.

 

Good luck. 

Yes, my I-140 was approved under the EB2 category. I’ll be sure to update my timeline.

[JD2 175]

17 hours ago, OldUser said:

you can do you blood test for many and bring results to civil surgeon.

The test is called a titer.  You will have to ask for it and pay out of pocket most likely.  Many local health departments offer them.  Some vaccines they'll excuse if you have clinical history like chicken pox.  They'll take your word for it; no proof required.  For titers, the juice is not worth the squeeze IMHO.  Also, how can you be so sure your memory is accurate and you got everything you think you got?

[TBoneTX 47,933]

The Tdap is valuable.  For tetanus alone, it's recommended every 10 years, and sooner if you've been injured.