When you undergo your immigration medical exam with a USCIS-authorized Civil Surgeon, one crucial part is ensuring you meet the U.S. public health requirements for vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sets these guidelines, and USCIS follows them to protect the health of the nation.

Why are vaccinations required for immigrants?

The purpose of these vaccination requirements is to prevent the introduction and spread of contagious diseases within the United States. By ensuring that new immigrants are vaccinated against certain illnesses, the U.S. aims to safeguard public health and well-being.

Who determines the required vaccines?

The CDC is the primary authority that dictates which vaccines are necessary for immigrants. These requirements are based on current public health recommendations and are subject to change. Civil Surgeons are responsible for verifying vaccination history and administering required vaccines according to these CDC guidelines.

What vaccines are generally required?

The specific list of required vaccines can vary based on your age and the current CDC recommendations. However, common requirements include vaccines for:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td)
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – often given as Tdap
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Pneumococcal
• Influenza (Flu) – required during flu season
• Rotavirus (for certain age groups)
• Hepatitis A (for certain age groups or risk factors)
• Meningococcal (for certain age groups or risk factors)
• COVID-19: While previously a requirement, the CDC removed this effective March 11, 2025. However, Civil Surgeons will still inquire about your COVID-19 vaccination history.
• Other vaccines as deemed necessary by the CDC.

What happens during the immigration medical exam regarding vaccinations?

The Civil Surgeon will:

• Review your vaccination records thoroughly. It’s crucial to bring any documentation you have.
• Administer any of the required vaccines that you haven’t previously received and for which there are no contraindications (medical reasons not to get the vaccine).
• Document all vaccinations you’ve received and those they administer on Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record).

Important Points to Remember:

• Bring Your Records: Always bring any official vaccination records you possess to your medical exam. This can prevent unnecessary vaccinations.
• Age-Specific Requirements: The specific vaccines required depend on your age at the time of the medical exam.
• Waivers (Exceptions): In certain limited circumstances, you may be eligible for a waiver of the vaccination requirements. These include:
  • Medical Waiver: If a Civil Surgeon determines that a vaccine is medically inappropriate for you.
  • Religious or Moral Objection Waiver: If you object to vaccination due to genuine religious beliefs or moral convictions. You will need to apply for this waiver separately with USCIS.
  • Vaccine Not Routinely Available Waiver: If a required vaccine is not routinely available in your country of origin.
• Civil Surgeon’s Report (Form I-693): The Civil Surgeon will complete Form I-693, which includes a detailed record of your vaccinations. This form is a critical part of your immigration application.
• No Standalone Vaccination Service: Civil Surgeons primarily provide vaccinations as part of the complete immigration medical exam. You cannot typically go to a Civil Surgeon just to get vaccinated for immigration purposes without undergoing the full exam.

Question & Answer Section:

• Q: If I have already received some of the required vaccines, do I need to get them again?

  • A: No, if you have acceptable documentation of having received the required vaccines, the Civil Surgeon will likely accept that record. Bring all your vaccination records with you to the exam.

• Q: What if I don’t have records of my previous vaccinations?

  • A: The Civil Surgeon will determine which vaccines you need based on your age and current CDC guidelines. They will likely administer any missing required vaccines.

• Q: Can my primary doctor give me the required vaccinations for immigration?

  • A: No. The vaccination assessment and administration for immigration purposes must be done by a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon as part of your immigration medical exam.

• Q: What if a required vaccine is not available in my country?

  • A: The Civil Surgeon will assess this during your exam. A “vaccine not routinely available” waiver might be an option, but you will need to discuss this with the Civil Surgeon and potentially apply for the waiver with USCIS.

• Q: Is the COVID-19 vaccine still required for immigration medical exams?

  • A: No. Effective March 11, 2025, the CDC removed the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for immigrant medical examinations. However, Civil Surgeons will still ask about your COVID-19 vaccination history.

• Q: Will I have to pay for the vaccinations I receive from the Civil Surgeon?

  • A: Yes, the cost of the medical exam, including any administered vaccinations, is the responsibility of the applicant. The fees can vary depending on the Civil Surgeon.

In Simple Terms:

Getting vaccinated is a necessary step in the immigration process to protect public health. When you see the Civil Surgeon for your medical exam, they will review your vaccination history and give you any shots that the CDC requires based on your age. Remember to bring any records you have. While COVID-19 vaccination is no longer mandatory, other vaccines like MMR, polio, and tetanus are usually required. If you’ve already had some vaccines and have proof, you likely won’t need them again. However, only a Civil Surgeon can determine your vaccination needs as part of the immigration medical exam. You will also need to pay for the exam and any vaccines you receive. In some special cases, you might be able to get a waiver for the vaccination requirement.