Foreign Records Are Generally Accepted

Foreign vaccination records are generally accepted for children's immigration medical examinations. The civil surgeon will review the records and determine which vaccines have been properly documented and which, if any, still need to be administered.

What Makes a Foreign Record Acceptable

For a foreign vaccination record to be accepted, it should document:

• The name of the vaccine administered
• The date the vaccine was administered
• The name or signature of the administering healthcare provider
• The healthcare facility or clinic where the vaccine was given (if available)

Translation Requirements

Vaccination records in languages other than English may need to be translated before the civil surgeon can evaluate them. A certified translation is preferred, but a competent translation may be acceptable in some cases.

If you are unsure whether your child's records need to be translated, contact our office before your appointment. We can advise you on what is needed.

What Happens If Records Are Incomplete

If your child's foreign records are incomplete or do not meet the documentation requirements, the civil surgeon will advise on options. These may include obtaining replacement records from the original provider, titer testing to demonstrate immunity (for some vaccines), or receiving the missing vaccines. Our staff will guide you through the process.