The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mandates that all applicants for a green card or certain visas undergo an immigration medical exam. Part of this process includes ensuring that applicants meet immigration vaccination requirements to protect public health. Our experienced civil surgeon in the Bronx provides an overview of the vaccinations required during the immigration medical exam, along with tips on how to prepare.
Vaccination requirements are in place to help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States. Immigrants entering the country must be protected against infectious diseases that can pose a threat to public health. By verifying immunization records during the immigration medical exam, USCIS aims to ensure that applicants are up-to-date on vaccinations in line with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Immigration vaccination for green card requirements in 2024 may vary based on age, medical history, and previous vaccination records. The following vaccines are generally required:
This combination vaccine protects against three highly contagious viral infections. It is required for all applicants unless they have documented immunity or previous vaccinations.
Applicants must either provide proof of immunity or a history of having chickenpox. If neither is available, they must receive the varicella vaccine to prevent this contagious viral infection.
This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis). Tetanus boosters may be required if the last dose was administered more than 10 years ago.
The polio vaccine is required to prevent poliovirus, which can cause paralysis. Most adults born after the 1950s have already received this vaccine during childhood, but proof is necessary.
Vaccination against these liver infections may be required. This is especially important for adults at higher risk due to medical conditions or lifestyle factors.
During flu season (October to March), applicants are required to receive the influenza vaccine. This helps prevent the spread of the flu virus.
This vaccine is typically required for applicants 65 years and older. It is also required for those with certain high-risk medical conditions that make them vulnerable to pneumonia.
Infants under 8 months of age may need to receive the rotavirus vaccine. This vaccine protects against a severe form of gastroenteritis.
Depending on age and risk factors, applicants may need to be vaccinated against meningitis. This is a serious bacterial infection that affects the brain and spinal cord.
Hib vaccine is usually required for infants and young children to protect against bacterial infections that can cause pneumonia or meningitis.
If you have already received some or all of these vaccines, you must provide official documentation to the civil surgeon conducting your immigration medical exam. Acceptable documentation includes vaccination records from healthcare providers, official immunization cards, or written records of previous diseases (like chickenpox). If you cannot provide proof, you may be required to get blood tests (titers) to confirm immunity.
If you are missing any of the required vaccines, your civil surgeon will administer them during your immigration physical. In some cases, they may recommend that you return for follow-up doses, especially for vaccines that require multiple doses (e.g., the hepatitis series).
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from receiving certain vaccines, the civil surgeon will assess whether you qualify for a medical exemption. For example, pregnant women may be exempt from live-virus vaccines like MMR or varicella, but they will need to document the reason for the exemption.
Applicants who object to vaccinations due to religious or moral beliefs may request a waiver from USCIS. However, these waivers are not automatically granted. Applicants must provide detailed explanations and documentation to support their request, and USCIS will review it on a case-by-case basis. You can get more information on this on the USCIS website.
Gather your vaccination records before your immigration medical exam. Contact your healthcare provider or local health department for any missing records. If you need clarification on your vaccination status, consider getting titers done in advance to prove immunity.
If you are missing any required vaccines, it's a good idea to get vaccinated before your exam to save time. Some civil surgeons may charge additional fees for administering vaccines, so having this done ahead of time can also help reduce costs.
The vaccination requirements for your immigration medical exam are essential for ensuring the health and safety of both you and the general public. Looking for a center for immigration vaccines for a green card near you? We have two accessible centers in the Bronx. Schedule now for an online appointment to get vaccinated and receive a thorough review from an experienced civil surgeon. Ensure your health and compliance with immigration requirements today! It can streamline the process and prevent delays in your green card or visa application.
Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine is required for the US Immigration medical exam. As part of the exam, the CDC mandates proof of COVID-19 vaccination for applicants seeking a green card or permanent residency. You must show documentation of completing the full series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. However, medical examiners may also consider valid exemptions based on specific medical conditions or age-related factors.
You can get the required vaccines for the immigration medical exam at places like primary care clinics, urgent care centers, pharmacies, local health departments, and travel clinics. NYCDocs, a trusted primary care provider in the Bronx, also offers vaccination services as part of their comprehensive immigration medical exam process.
The flu vaccine is required for the US Immigration medical exam if you are undergoing the exam during flu season.
There are specific vaccine series that can only be completed over multiple visits to the civil surgeon. You are not required to complete the entire vaccine series before the civil surgeon can sign Form I-693. The civil surgeon can document the vaccines you have received and indicate that the series is incomplete, allowing you to move forward with your green card application. As long as you have started the required vaccinations, you can still proceed with the process.
