What Vaccinations Do You Need For Immigration?
If you or a loved one need an immigrant physical to update your visa or to enter the United States for the first time, see Dr. Lawrence Delano Tran in Burbank. He provides the necessary INS examinations and vaccinations required for proper legal status. As a civil surgeon for the Department of Homeland Security, he knows what vaccinations you need, can administer them, and update your documentation.
What is a vaccination?
A vaccination is a medication that protects against communicable diseases (spread by person-to-person contact) and their potentially devastating complications. Vaccinations are medical-grade preparations of weakened micro-organisms. When injected into the body, the vaccines prompt the immune system to produce antibodies that fight off disease.
The US Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control publish rules and schedules for vaccinations. Immigrants are required to have proof of vaccinations when they come into Dr. Tran's office for an immigration medical examination or be prepared to receive initial doses of these medications.
Why are vaccinations important?
First of all, they are a requirement for legal immigration to the United States, Secondly, these medications have all but eradicated previously catastrophic illnesses in the US. Polio is an excellent example of an eliminated communicable disease. Thirdly, vaccines prevent serious outbreaks of disease. Guidelines are published with these considerations in mind.
What diseases do the required vaccines prevent?
There are 14 diseases in all and include:
- Polio
- Zoster
- Varicella
- Hepatitis A and B
- Influenza
- Pneumonia
- Rotavirus
- Meningitis
- HPV
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Mumps
- Rubella
Most people, including children, have little to no side effects from vaccinations. The shots are updated according to the Centers for Disease Control schedule. If you have a medical issue that makes immunizations impractical (allergies or a previous adverse reaction to a vaccine as examples), Dr. Tran can provide the documentation needed for a medical exclusion.
Vaccines save lives
Not only are they a legal requirement, but vaccinations also promote personal and community health and well-being.