Hey there! Are you planning to study abroad or travel to the United States? You might need something called an MMR vaccine certificate. Don’t worry – I’ll explain everything and help you understand your options.
MMR stands for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. Think of it as a shield that protects you from these three diseases:
Measles: Causes fever and red spots on your body
Mumps: Makes your cheeks swell up
Rubella: Also called German measles, causes mild fever and rash
Your Options for Getting the Certificate:
Option 1: Already Have Your Vaccine Card If you got the MMR vaccine as a child and still have the card (sometimes called an immunity card), you’re in luck! All you need to do is:
Take a clear photo of your card
Upload it where needed (like your university website)
You can also ask your Ward office or Municipality if they have your records
Option 2: Got the Vaccine But Lost Your Card? No worries! You can get a simple blood test done. This test (called a serological test) checks if your body remembers fighting these diseases. Here’s how to understand your test results:
For Measles:
If your result is 13.4 AU/mL or less = Negative (You’re not protected)
If it’s between 13.5–16.4 AU/mL = Equivocal (Not clear if you’re protected)
If it’s 16.5 AU/mL or more = Positive (You’re protected!)
For Mumps:
If your result is 0.90 or less = Negative (You’re not protected)
If it’s between 0.91–1.09 = Equivocal (Not clear if you’re protected)
If it’s 1.10 or more = Positive (You’re protected!)
For Rubella:
If your result is 0.7 AI or less = Not vaccinated (You’re not protected)
If it’s 1.0 AI or more = Vaccinated (You’re protected!)
Note: When we say “equivocal,” it means the result isn’t clearly positive or negative – it’s in a middle zone where we can’t be sure if you’re protected. You can retake the test after 6-7 days if it’s equivocal!
Option 3: Need to Get Vaccinated? If your test shows you’re not protected, here’s what you need:
Measles: 2 shots, with a 28-day gap between them
Rubella: Just 1 shot
Mumps: Just 1 shot
Important Things to Know About Getting Vaccinated:
Getting Your MMR Vaccine: Understanding Your Timing Options
You might be wondering when and where you should get your MMR vaccine before traveling abroad. Here’s the good news: you have several flexible options, and there’s no need to rush to complete all your vaccinations before leaving Nepal. Let me explain why and how this works.
Understanding Border Requirements When you travel internationally, the airport or border control won’t check your MMR vaccination status. This means you can safely travel without having completed all your vaccine doses. This vaccination requirement comes from your university or institution, not from immigration authorities.
Your Vaccination Options Explained
Option 1: Getting Both Doses in Your Destination Country If you haven’t started your MMR vaccination yet, you can choose to get all your doses after arriving in your destination country. For example, if you’re heading to the USA:
You can visit any local clinic or hospital once you arrive
They’ll give you your first dose and schedule your second dose
Make sure to keep all documentation from these vaccinations
The clinic will provide you with official proof of vaccination that your university will accept
Option 2: Starting in Nepal and Finishing Abroad You might prefer to get your first dose in Nepal and your second dose in your destination country. Here’s how this works:
Get your first dose at a clinic in Nepal
Make sure to get proper documentation showing the date and type of vaccine
Take this documentation with you when you travel
Once you arrive, show this documentation to your new healthcare provider
They’ll help schedule your second dose at the right time (28 days after the first dose)
Working With Your University’s Requirements
Let’s use a typical U.S. university as an example to understand how this works in practice:
Starting Your Studies
Most universities give you 30 days from the start of classes to either:
Show proof of completed MMR vaccination, or
Start your vaccination process and show documentation of your plan
Always inform your university’s health services about your vaccination plan
If you’re getting your second dose after the 30-day deadline, just explain your situation
Universities understand international students’ situations and will work with you
Send them documentation of your first dose and your planned date for the second dose
Example Timeline: Let’s say your classes start on September 1:
September 1-30: Your initial deadline to address vaccination requirements
If you get your first dose on September 15, your second dose would be due around October 13
This extends beyond the 30-day deadline, but it’s perfectly acceptable as long as you’ve communicated your plan
Remember: The most important thing isn’t rushing to get vaccinated before you leave Nepal, but rather having a clear plan and communicating it to your university. Keep all your vaccination documentation organized, whether you get vaccinated in Nepal or abroad, and stay in touch with your university’s health services office about your progress.
Where to Get the Vaccine in Nepal?
If you decide to get vaccinated in Nepal:
In Kathmandu: Visit TEKU Hospital or other local clinics
Outside Kathmandu: Check with your nearest hospital
Remember: Take your time to decide what works best for you. Whether you get vaccinated in Nepal or abroad, the most important thing is to eventually get protected and meet your university’s requirements.
Need Help? If anything’s still unclear, don’t hesitate to ask your local healthcare provider or your university’s international student office. They’re there to help you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About MMR Vaccination for International Students
Q: Do I need to complete all MMR doses before leaving Nepal? A: No, you don’t need to complete all doses before departure. You can get vaccinated either entirely in your destination country or start in Nepal and complete abroad. The important thing is having a clear plan and proper documentation.
Q: Will immigration check my MMR vaccination status at the airport? A: No, immigration officers don’t check MMR vaccination status. This requirement comes from your university, not border control.
Q: What if my blood test results are “equivocal”? A: If your results are equivocal (in the middle range), you’ll need to get vaccinated as this means your immunity status isn’t clear enough. It’s better to be safe and get the vaccine.
Q: How long do I have to complete my vaccination after arriving at university? A: Most universities give you 30 days from the start of classes to either complete your vaccination or show documentation of your vaccination plan. They’re usually flexible if you communicate clearly about your timeline.
Q: Can I attend classes while completing my vaccination? A: Yes, you can typically attend classes during the initial 30-day period. However, you must be actively working on meeting the vaccination requirements and keep your university informed of your progress.
Q: What documentation do I need to keep if I get vaccinated in different countries? A: Keep all vaccination records, including:
Documentation of each dose received (dates and vaccine type)
Blood test results (if applicable)
Any immunity cards or certificates
Records from both your home country and destination country clinics
Q: If I had MMR as a child but lost my records, what should I do first? A: Start by getting a blood test (serological test) to check your immunity levels. This can save you from getting unnecessary vaccinations if you’re already immune.
Q: How much time needs to be between the two measles doses? A: The two measles doses must be given at least 28 days apart. Universities understand this timing requirement and will work with you to accommodate the schedule.
Q: Where can I get my MMR blood test done in Nepal? A: Most major hospitals and diagnostic centers in Nepal can perform MMR antibody tests. In Kathmandu, TEKU Hospital is a well-known option, but local hospitals throughout Nepal can also provide this service.
Q: What if my blood test shows I’m only immune to some of the diseases but not all? A: You only need to get vaccinated for the diseases where you lack immunity. For example, if you’re immune to measles but not mumps or rubella, you only need those specific vaccinations.
