Jon & Dana

A plus would be if you have pictures which show the date and time.

Make sure she has at least a 3 hour lay over in Chicago. Getting through customs can take anywhere from half an hour to several hours (depending on various factors).

Yes. Her Doctor wrote a note stating her allergies prior to the medical exam.

I think it depends on the clinic, on the city or on the country. I had my medical exam in Bucharest, Romania and I got the results on the same day. They knew that I wasn’t local and wasn’t able to come again on the other day for the results, so they just asked me to wait for 4 hours in order to get my medical results on the same day.

As I remember right, she will need her birth certificate (the original and the photocopy)only for the interview. That will be authorized and translated only if it’s not is English or in the official language of the country in which the application of the visa will be made.

No. My fiancé had conflicting allergies with some of the components that are in Gardasil. During the medical, the doctor gave her a blanket waiver for the shot (Gardasil). The blanket waiver permitted her to get the visa without requiring her to get the shot (for now or AOS). Because this wavier was issued by an approved doctor, we didn’t have to pay for a thing.

I don't know much about the CR-1 visa but I know for the K1 they expect to see your completed immunizations at the AOS interview or something to that effect. If theres no follow up for the CR-1 than I would say you are in the clear if you only want to get the one shot.

My Fiancé just had her medical exam today. The doctor gave her a “blanket waiver” due to her past reactions to shots. So basically, she got all the required shots needed except Gardasil. The only thing I’m worried about is if this will delay the possibility of her getting the visa at the interview tomorrow (8-4-9). Hopefully this wont but there is also a possibility she might have to file for a I-693 “Examination and Vaccination Record”. I hope this will never have to happen!

I'm interested to hear how this turns out. Please let us know what they say about the banket waiver at the interview.

The blanket waiver worked fine! She never had to get the shot and was granted the visa!!! Whohoo!

Tax on more if you want to get a lawyer (don’t recommend it. VJ is a better tool)

Thanks Olesea. You've been a BIG help to her...and me

That isn't necessarily true. I had a blanket waiver as well because I had had all of the vaccines that were medically appropriate or had in some instances, had the illness the vaccines prevented. I submitted just the worksheet with my AOS - did not submit the nedical transcription to the Vaccination form - and was approved without an RFE or any further requirement.

If a vaccine is not medically appropriate, you do not need to have it. If a vaccine is not age appropriate, you do not need to have it. A waiver means that you are waived from the need to have the vaccination. A blanket waiver means that you may have already met the necessary vaccination requirements suitable for your situation and do not need to do further vaccination. In many cases your AOS paperwork may be required even before you are able to complete a vaccination sequence. Experience from others on VJ seems to show that it is often enough to have started the sequence and not necessarily completed it to be sufficient for AOS purposes.

Regardless, if the medical you had overseas is less than a year old when you apply for AOS you DO NOT need to redo the medical. At the very most you will just need to have the appropriate additional vaccinations done and the information about the vaccinations transferred from the worksheet - or your own original records upon which the worksheet was based - to the medical form by a civil surgeon.

You guys have helped ease me! I started to really freak out over the blanket waiver. I think kathryn41 nailed it! My fiancé completed all of her required shots except for the one which was not required. Is there anything she has to do for the blanket waiver? Any certain forms or documents she will have to fill out prior to or during the interview?

I don't know much about the CR-1 visa but I know for the K1 they expect to see your completed immunizations at the AOS interview or something to that effect. If theres no follow up for the CR-1 than I would say you are in the clear if you only want to get the one shot.

My Fiancé just had her medical exam today. The doctor gave her a “blanket waiver” due to her past reactions to shots. So basically, she got all the required shots needed except Gardasil. The only thing I’m worried about is if this will delay the possibility of her getting the visa at the interview tomorrow (8-4-9). Hopefully this wont but there is also a possibility she might have to file for a I-693 “Examination and Vaccination Record”. I hope this will never have to happen!

Hey guys,

Sorry to bother everyone again. I have another simple question. Currently, my fiancé is in Bucharest, Romania for her interview (tomorrow). She just sent me a text message stating that b/c of her history of allergic reactions to shots, the doctor has given her a blanket waiver for one of the shots for the interview. The details are sketchy (since it’s almost impossible to get a hold of her except the text message she sent me through the verizon website today). Will this waiver delay her possibility of getting a visa?! What exactly does this waiver do? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

which vaccines were they?

Very good Wei&Shu! Very well put!

http://www.nvic.org/_borders/images/nvic_logo.gif

http://www.nvic.org/Diseases/HPV/HPVrpt.htm

National Vaccine Information Center

www.NVIC.org (http://www.nvic.org/)

Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine Safety

Analysis of Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System Reports:

Adverse Reactions, Concerns and Implications

On June 8th 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of GARDASIL, and on June 29th the Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend adding GARDASIL human papilloma virus vaccine to the Centers for Disease Control's national childhood recommended immunization schedule. On July 14th the first report of a serious reaction to the vaccine was filed with the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

A 16-year-old Illinois girl was vaccinated July 7th and 13 days later developed symptoms eventually diagnosed as Guillian-Barre Syndrome. A 14-year-old girl in the District of Columbia was vaccinated on July 11th and complained of severe pain immediately following the injection, fell off the examining table and experienced a 10 to 15 second fainting spell ending up in the emergency room with a headache and speech problems. The report of this reaction, the first in the nation, was filed on July 14th, 15 days after the ACIP vote.

Six months later, 82 reports of GARDASIL reactions have been submitted to VAERS on behalf of at least 84 young girls and 2 boys.[1] Reaction reports have come in from 21 states and the District of Columbia.[2] Reactions were reported for children and young adults ranging in age from 11 to 27. Of the reports indicating what day the vaccine was given and the reaction occurred, 63 percent stated that the reaction occurred the same day the vaccine was given. All but three of the reports were for reactions that occurred within one week of vaccination.

This document is divided into three sections. The first section describes reaction reports for a number of reported adverse events: neurological symptoms including syncopal episodes and seizures, arthralgia and joint pain, Guillian-Barre Syndrome, and other immunological reactions. The second section addresses concerns related to vaccinating individuals already infected with HPV. The last section discusses issues that need to be addressed by government regulators and the manufacturer and considerations for clinicians and consumers.

Reported Adverse Events

Presumably, the reactions described below occurred after the first dose of GARDASIL. GARDASIL is given in a three-dose series. None of the reports stated that the children and adults experiencing problems had previously been vaccinated with GARDASIL.

Syncopal Episodes and Seizures. One-quarter of all reports filed after GARDASIL vaccination were for neurologic adverse events including loss of consciousness, syncope, syncopal events and seizures. An additional five reports included symptoms of dizziness and feeling faint.

Syncope is defined as a temporary suspension of consciousness due to generalized cerebral ischemia (inadequate blood flow and lack of oxygen). The reports of syncopal episodes and their descriptions are remarkable. A physician from Washington State reported that in one morning, three patients experienced syncopal episodes. On August 8th another physician's office reported that two patients experienced syncopal episodes on the same day.

Although these reports did not detail what happened to the individuals experiencing these syncopal episodes, other reports did. The 14-year-old DC girl mentioned earlier experienced a syncopal episode combined with amblyopia (poor vision in one eye), abnormal speech, vomiting, and headache. Also experiencing vision problems, a 17-year-old New York girl reported feeling dizzy and her vision went "black for a few seconds" and she turned pale and lips turned purple and she also had fever and chills. Similar to the DC girl, on July 18th immediately after being vaccinated, a 22-year-old Kentucky woman experienced slurred speech accompanied by pallor and shock. On August 29th, two hours after being vaccinated, a 15-year-old New York girl who had a history of asthma and was on four asthma medications experienced difficulty swallowing prompting a visit to the emergency room. On August 17th, 15 minutes after being vaccinated, a 14-year-old Pennsylvania girl passed out in the car on the way home.

Most of the reports do not describe what happened as a result of the syncopal episode but a few do. One 11-year-old Florida girl fell from the examining table and two Washington girls fell - a 16-year-old girl fell and hit her head on a carpeted concrete surface and a 14-year-old girl fell down and broke her nose.

Whether the 22 girls who experienced syncopal episodes actually experienced atonic seizures cannot be determined from these reports. Four girls, however, displayed observable seizure activity. The 11-year-old Florida girl who fell from the table also displayed "tonic posturing." Tonic posturing is a type of seizure where sustained contraction of muscles in the legs and arms occurs and consciousness is impaired. The 16-year-old Washington girl who fell and hit her head on the floor lost consciousness for one minute and displayed tonic posturing of her right hand. Additionally, a 15-year-old girl from Virginia was described as having "a mild seizure." In California, a 13-year-old girl was walking down the hall after her vaccination, fell and had a 15-second tonic/clonic seizure. Tonic/clonic seizures are also known as "grand mal" seizures.

Additionally, there were reports of dyskinesia (difficulty or distortion in performing voluntary movements) and hypokinesia (slow or diminished movement of the body musculature) both of which have neurological implications.

Arthralgia, Joint Pain and Fever. Arthralgia is defined as pain in the joints. Concerns about arthritis were raised during the GARDASIL clinical trials. Reports of arthralgia in one or more joints accompanied by fever were noted in five instances from four young girls and women in Wisconsin, Texas and New York, and one 18-year-old New York male.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Reports state that two recently vaccinated 16-year-old girls - one from Illinois and the other from Mississippi - were diagnosed with Guillian-Barre Syndrome (GBS) following vaccination with GARDASIL. In both cases, the onset of symptoms occurred 13 days after vaccination. According to the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke: GBS is a serious disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs. In many instances, the weakness and abnormal sensations spread to the arms and upper body. These symptoms can increase in intensity until certain muscles cannot be used at all and, when severe, the patient is almost totally paralyzed. … Vaccinations can trigger onset of GBS.[3]

The Illinois girl described earlier was vaccinated on July 7th and symptoms were evident by July 20th. The girl also experienced gait abnormalities (trouble walking properly), asthenia (weakness without loss of strength), paresthesia (burning, prickling, tingling or numbness sensation usually felt in the hands, arms, feet and legs), and hyperkinesia (abnormal increase in muscle movement). The Mississippi girl was vaccinated on July 31st and by August 13th she had increasing numbness and tingling in her feet and hands and was subsequently evaluated by a neurologist and diagnosed with GBS. The current health status of these girls is not known.

In both of these cases, the girls were also vaccinated with Aventis Pasteur's Menactra, a vaccine for meningococcal infections. Menactra has previously been associated with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and the FDA and others have issued alerts.

Other Adverse Reactions. Additionally, a number of other reactions to GARDASIL are noted in VAERS reports and they include: urticaria (hives); pruritus (itching); macular and papular rashes; blisters and vesicles near the injection site; swollen arms; lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes); red, hot swollen knots at injection site; burning, stabbing, severe and radiating pain at the injection site and in the affected limb during and after injection; nausea and vomiting; infections and skin ulcers, and other allergic reactions.

Other Considerations

GARDASIL is marketed as a "cervical cancer vaccine" and intended to prevent infection with specific HPVs - common viruses among sexually active women. It isn't clear what benefits or potential harms could arise from vaccinating sexually active women who have already contracted HPV. Of the 86 reaction reports filed with VAERS so far, 12 reports were generated by young women 18 and older who were taking hormonal contraceptives and presumably sexually active.

With respect to concerns related to vaccinating women with known HPV infections, adverse reaction reports were filed on behalf of a 17-year-old Texas girl who was already diagnosed with HPV and genital warts. Similarly, the 22 year-old Kentucky woman who experienced slurred speech following vaccination already had an abnormal pap smear with evidence of cervical dysplasia.

Implications

The early reports of potential safety problems with GARDASIL raise concerns and questions that need to be addressed by government regulators, manufacturers and prescribing physicians. Specifically, the following concerns need to be addressed:

Syncope, seizures and Guillian-Barre Syndrome have now been reported with hours to a week after GARDASIL vaccination. GARDASIL manufacturer, Merck, should add these serious adverse events to the product manufacturer insert.

Considering that over 20 girls have experienced syncopal episodes sometimes combined with seizures and serious injuries, physicians should consider only giving GARDASIL when the patient is safely laying down on the examining table. Because there seems to be syncopal reactions up until 15 minutes after vaccination, patients should be asked to lie down for 15 minutes after receipt of GARDASIL.

The information provided by Merck indicates that it is safe to administer GARDASIL with Hepatitis B vaccine. The prescribing information states, "Results for clinical studies indicate that GARDASIL may be administered concomitantly (at a separate injection site) with hepatitis B vaccine (recombinant). Co-administration of GARDASIL with other vaccines has not been studied." [4] Due to the small number of girls aged 9 to 15 who appear to have been evaluated for GARDASIL safety in Merck clinical trials (fewer than 2,000) and lack of publicly available information about how many of these girls were given GARDASIL and hepatitis B vaccine simultaneously, the safety of administering GARDASIL and hepatitis B vaccine to all pre-adolescent girls is uncertain.[5]

Aside from Hepatitis B, Merck does not state that it is safe to simultaneously administer GARDASIL with any other vaccine. Considering that there are ongoing evaluations of a reported association between Menactra (meningococcal vaccine) and Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and Merck does not explicitly indicate that it is safe to administer to administer GARDASIL and Menactra simultaneously, consumers and clinicians should question whether administering both GARDASIL and Menactra at the same time is safe.

Similarly, adverse reactions were reported when GARDASIL was administered with eight other vaccines: Hepatitis A, MNQ (?), MEN (Menactra), TD (Tetanus and Diptheria Toxoids), DPP (Diptheria/Pertussis/Polio), PNC Prevnar (Heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate), DTaP (Diphtheria And Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine), and TDAP (Tetanus, Diptheria and Pertussis). Because Merck does not state that it is safe to administer simultaneously GARDASIL with any vaccine other than Hepatitis B, consumers and clinicians should question whether co-administration of GARDASIL and other vaccines is safe.

Most, if not all, of the reactions reported to VAERS were in response to the first of the three doses of GARDASIL. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) developed for HPV vaccine states that severe reactions include "any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness." [6] The CDC also states that "anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to yeast, to any other component of HPV vaccine, or to a previous dose of HPV vaccine should not get the vaccine." Which of the reactions reported to VAERS constitute a "life-threatening allergic reaction" and which, if any, of the children and young adults who experienced reactions should receive additional doses of vaccine? At the October 2006 ACIP meeting, CDC staff stated that only "three serious reports were reported to VAERS after HPV vaccination in females 14 and 16 years of age. One of these patients had vasovagal syncope and was hospitalized overnight for observation." [7]CDC's summary of the first 76 VAERS reports suggests that CDC doesn't regard the remaining reports as "serious." CDC needs to clarify which of the reactions reported to VAERS constitute contraindications to further vaccination with GARDASIL and make this information available to the public and to prescribing physicians.

What were the short and longer-term outcomes for the individuals who experienced the reactions reported to VAERS? Is there information available that would help to predict the characteristics that predispose one to be at greatest risk of experiencing a serious reaction?

The CDC's Vaccine Information Sheet indicates that allergy to yeast is a reason to avoid taking GARDASIL. Merck notes that contraindications to the vaccine include "hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients of the vaccine. Individuals who develop symptoms indicative of hypersensitivity after receiving a dose of GARDASIL should not receive further doses of GARDASIL." The prescribing information provided by Merck does not specifically note that yeast allergy is a contraindication to taking GARDASIL. Government regulators and the manufacturer need to address the discrepancy between these documents and clarify the issues related to yeast allergy and make this information readily available to the public and prescribing physicians.

Additionally, Merck notes that vaccine ingredients include 225 mcg of aluminum (as amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate adjuvant), 0.78 mg of L-histidine, 50 mcg of polysorbate 80, and 35 mcg of sodium borate. These ingredients are not listed on the CDC's VIS sheet. The public needs this information so that they can identify whether they have "hypersensitivities" to any of the ingredients and whether they are at risk of experiencing a serious allergic reaction. Hypersensitivities and known allergic reactions are critical pieces of information that need to be communicated to prescribing physicians in order to make the safest possible vaccination decisions.

Government regulators including the CDC and FDA, in combination with Merck, should address the above safety concerns as soon as possible. Medical groups advocating use of GARDASIL should effectively communicate to physicians and patients the potential risks of using GARDASIL along with precautions to improve the safety of patient care.

I'm too old for Gardasil, but otherwise we're not exempt. It's just that the shots from the list are what pretty much every Croatian gets, starting from the moment they're born.

My fault, I read your statement wrong.

Even though I'm overall not against vaccinations, I'm not particularly happy with the idea of this one. I'm glad it wasn't a requirement in my case. (Actually, I'm glad no shots were needed.)

How can Croatia be exempt from the shots? You guys are lucky!

Guys,

In your honest opinion, what do you think of Gardasil? Do you think this is an important shot for every woman between the ages of 12-26? Or do you think it’s nothing more than a pharmaceutical drug used to grease government palms and reap high revenue? Has anyone who has ever received this shot experienced any problems or side effects? Seriously, this shot should be pro-choice not required for entrance into America!

You guys have brought up some interesting points. After talking, we decided to put the cruise on hold until our AOS/GC. It’s better to be safe than sorry rather than feeling the wrath of regret incase we did screw up. Regardless, we still plan on having a very nice and beautiful honeymoon! Maybe the Florida Keys?!?! July09bride, please let me know how your honeymoon/cruise turns out once you get back!

If so, could we fly?

Just as long as your flight doesn't divert to another country too...

Hehe, yes that too!

Ah,

This is news I like to hear! Thanks guys!

Hey Guys,

Maybe someone can help me with this question...

I've heard that after my fiancée and I get married, she will probably have to wait a year before being allowed to leave the country. Well, for our honeymoon, we thought about taking a cruise to Hawaii. Would this be a problem? Even though we would never be leaving the states, we would still be crossing international waters. If so, could we fly?

Hey guys,

I have just recently moved to a new house down the street from where I used to live. I know I need to fill out the I-865 form (Sponsor’s notice of change of address). However, I do have a concern about this. I have just submitted my 1-134 form to my fiancée. My old address is currently listed on the I-134. Will my fiancée run into difficulties during her interview since I changed addresses not shown on the I-134 form or any others (even though I’m about to file for the I-865)? Your advice would be greatly appreciated!

It will make no affect. She should enter your NEW address on her DS-156, DS-156k. Always give true and accurate answers at the times the forms are completed.

Thanks for your help guys! I appreciate your advice!

You do not need to submit an I-865 - this is something you would do if you have an I-864 on file (after you get married and file AOS).

Your fiance's interview should not be affected by your moving.

True, but how else would I let the USCIS know that I moved? After all, my old address is on all of our K-1 documents. When would be an appropriate time to file for the change of address?

Hey guys,

I have just recently moved to a new house down the street from where I used to live. I know I need to fill out the I-865 form (Sponsor’s notice of change of address). However, I do have a concern about this. I have just submitted my 1-134 form to my fiancée. My old address is currently listed on the I-134. Will my fiancée run into difficulties during her interview since I changed addresses not shown on the I-134 form or any others (even though I’m about to file for the I-865)? Your advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks Guys! Your response made me feel a lot better! Also, congrats domegirl1978 on your NOA 2!!!