As an immigrant moving to the United States, you’ll face many important tasks. And one of that is understanding and maintaining your children’s vaccine card (also known as immunization records).
This document serves as the medical history of your child’s immunizations and plays an important role in many aspects of their lives in the U.S., including school enrollment and acquiring healthcare access. Below we will walk you through all the things you need to know about your child’s vaccine record.
Why is a Vaccine Card Important?
The vaccine card, often referred to as vaccine record or an immunization record, holds essential information about the vaccines your child has received. It lists the dates of each vaccination and the name of your child’s health care provider who administered it. This card is an official record and a testament to their immunization status, which is important to protect public health.
Vaccines protect against diseases that can cause severe illness or even death, so it’s crucial to ensure your children are up-to-date on their immunizations.
In the U.S., the health department require children to have received certain vaccines for school enrollment, participation in sports, and even some forms of employment later in life for adults. Therefore, keeping accurate records of your children’s vaccinations is not only responsible parenting but also a requirement in many cases.
What are The Vaccine Preventable Diseases Required by the U.S.?
The following diseases are recommended for vaccination by the CDC at age-appropriate times and documented on this page of your child’s immunization record.
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Dengue
- Diphtheria
- Flu (Influenza)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- Measles
- Meningococcal
- Mumps
- Pneumococcal
- Polio (Poliomyelitis)
- Rotavirus
- Rubella (German Measles)
- Tetanus (Lockjaw)
- Whooping Cough (Pertussis )
How to Prepare Your Immunization Records Before Moving to the U.S.
When you plan to immigrate to the U.S., it’s a good idea to organize each of your children’s lifetime health record, including their vaccine cards. Here are some steps you can take:
- Gather Existing Records: Collect all their available health records, and focus on their vaccination records. These may be in the form of booklets, cards, or computer printouts, depending on your home country’s healthcare system.
- Check Required Vaccinations: Familiarize yourself with the U.S. vaccination schedule and requirements. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a comprehensive list of recommended vaccines for children of different age groups.
- Fill in the Gaps: If your children have missed any vaccinations required in the U.S., consult with a health care provider to administer them before your move, if possible.
- Translate and Notarize: If your children’s vaccine records are not in English, you may need to get them translated. You should also ask your doctor to include the generic names for each vaccine. It’s also recommended to have the translated documents notarized to certify their authenticity.
Keeping Good Records
Once you’ve settled in the U.S., it’s crucial to continue maintaining your children’s immunization records. Here’s how:
- Update After Each Vaccination: After each vaccination, ensure the healthcare provider updates your child’s vaccine card.
- Safe Storage: Store the vaccine cards in a safe and easily accessible place. You may want to make digital copies as a backup.
- Annual Check: Review your children’s vaccine cards annually to make sure they’re up-to-date with their vaccines.
How to Manage Your Children's Immunization Records
Various tools can assist in organizing your medical records efficiently and effectively. One common method is using a binder or a filing system to keep hard copies of your medical records. This can include sections for different types of records like doctor’s notes, lab reports, or invoices.
Digital tools can be especially beneficial in today’s technology-driven world. Many health care providers offer online portals where you can access your medical records. You can also use apps or software programs specifically designed for organizing health records.
These digital tools often provide features such as reminders for appointments or vaccinations, the ability to share information with healthcare providers, and easy access to your records from anywhere.
Make Use of Your State's Immunization Registry
As an immigrant new to the U.S., it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the resources available to manage your family’s health. One example is your state’s Immunization Registry, which is a centralized system that keeps track of all the vaccinations your family receives. It’s a digital record that doctors and health care providers use to maintain and update your immunization history.
Using your state’s Immunization Registry offers several benefits. Firstly, it ensures that your family’s vaccine records are kept in one secure place, reducing the risk of losing or misplacing physical cards.
Secondly, it helps healthcare providers to keep track of your family’s immunization schedule, so they can remind you when it’s time for the next dose or a booster shot.
Lastly, it provides verified proof of immunization, which can be useful for school enrollments, travel, or other situations where you might need to show that you or your family are up-to-date with vaccines.
By making full use of this resource, you can help ensure that your family’s health is well-managed and protected. You can find your state’s registry on the CDC website.
Presenting Your Children's Vaccine Card
There will be situations where you’ll need to present your children’s vaccine cards. Here are a few:
- School Enrollment: When enrolling your child in school, you’ll likely need to provide their vaccine card as proof of immunization. Schools will require your child to be fully vaccinated with the age-appropriate immunizations before being allowed to attend classes.
- Doctor’s Appointments: A new pediatrician or primary care physician will need your children’s vaccine cards to understand their health history and plan for future care.
- Insurance Carriers: Insurance companies may require your vaccine status to underwrite policies or process claims.
- International Travel: If you’re traveling overseas, some countries may require proof of certain vaccinations.
Always Protect and Update Your Child's Health Care History
On a personal level, it is crucial for you to understand the importance of a children’s vaccine card — it is not just as a piece of paper but a passport to a healthy future for your child. As an immigrants in the U.S., you should understand its significance, keep it updated, and have it ready for various situations.
By preparing all the necessary information before your move, maintaining accurate records, and leveraging available tools, you can ensure you’re doing your best to safeguard your child’s health.
Finding good healthcare in a new country may seem overwhelming, but you’re not alone. With time, the processes will become familiar, and you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the U.S. healthcare system confidently and efficiently.
