Vaccination Requirements when Immigrating to the USA

Certain immigration protocols require that you be vaccinated against certain diseases prior to adjusting your status.  Depending on what type of immigrant visa you are entering the USA on the chances are that you will need to have had several vaccinations.

Migrating is a costly business and being prepared can save you over a thousand dollars or more later on.

Being a British citizen I am entitled to free healthcare via the NHS.  If you are not from the UK you may still be able to find cheaper vaccinations in your home country.  Most people have had certain vaccinations already - the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (now the infamous MMR vaccine) being the most common.

Even if you are simply coming to the America as a student, many Universities require you to show evidence of inoculation against MMR and meningitis.

If you have 6 months before your intended departure for the States you will be able to complete the Hepatitis A and B programs which, at the time of writing, can be completed in 3 injections.

I did not complete the program whilst in the UK and had to have the last injections for Hepatitis A & B in America .  It was worth completing the schedule as it now means that I am inoculated for life.  The shots cost $100 each plus the Doctor's fee.

I requested to be vaccinated for several other diseases and ended up having 11 injections over the course of 15 days.  If I had undergone the treatment on the other side of the Atlantic it would have cost me over $1,100.

You will probably not require as many vaccinations as those listed below, either way it pays to plan ahead.  Visit the US Citizenship and Immigration website to learn more.

By: LK