Full List of USCIS-Required Vaccines
USCIS requires documentation of all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for your age group. The following vaccines are currently required for immigration medical exams:
| Vaccine | Age Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza (Flu) | All ages (seasonal) | Required annually. Must be current season's vaccine. |
| Td/Tdap | All ages | Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis. Tdap once, then Td booster every 10 years. |
| MMR | 12 months+ | Measles, mumps, rubella. 2 doses required. |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | 12 months+ | 2 doses required. Prior disease may substitute with documentation. |
| Pneumococcal | 65+ and certain younger adults | PCV15/PCV20 or PPSV23 per ACIP schedule. |
| Hepatitis A | 12 months+ | 2 doses required. 6-month interval between doses. |
| Hepatitis B | All ages | 3-dose series. 2-dose series (Heplisav-B) for adults 18+. |
| Meningococcal | 11–18 years (and others) | MenACWY required for applicable age groups. |
| COVID-19 | 6 months+ | Current primary series + updated booster per ACIP. |
| HPV | 9–26 years | 2–3 dose series depending on age at first dose. |
Note: This list reflects current ACIP recommendations as adopted by USCIS. Requirements may be updated. Your Civil Surgeon will apply the current requirements at the time of your exam.
Age-Based Requirements
Not all vaccines are required for all ages. USCIS follows ACIP age-based recommendations. Here's a general overview:
Infants & toddlers (0–23 months)
Hepatitis B, DTaP, Hib, PCV, IPV, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A, COVID-19 (6 months+)
Children (2–10 years)
All infant vaccines plus annual influenza, catch-up doses as needed
Adolescents (11–18 years)
All prior vaccines plus Tdap, Meningococcal (MenACWY), HPV, annual influenza, COVID-19
Adults (19–64 years)
Influenza, Td/Tdap, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, COVID-19, HPV (through age 26), others as indicated
Adults 65+
All adult vaccines plus Pneumococcal (PCV20 or PPSV23), Zoster (Shingrix), annual influenza, COVID-19
Individual assessment: The Civil Surgeon will review your specific age and vaccination history to determine exactly which vaccines you need. The above is a general guide — your requirements may differ.
Catch-Up Schedules
If you did not receive vaccines at the recommended age, ACIP provides catch-up schedules that allow you to complete the required series as an adult. The Civil Surgeon will apply the appropriate catch-up schedule based on your age and vaccination history.
MMR catch-up
Adults born after 1957 who have no documentation of 2 MMR doses or prior immunity need 2 doses, 4 weeks apart.
Varicella catch-up
Adults with no documentation of 2 varicella doses or prior disease need 2 doses, 4–8 weeks apart.
Hepatitis B catch-up
Adults who have not completed the hepatitis B series need to complete it. A 2-dose series (Heplisav-B) is available for adults 18+.
Hepatitis A catch-up
Adults who have not received 2 hepatitis A doses need to complete the series. The second dose is given 6–18 months after the first.
Timing matters: Some catch-up series require multiple doses with specific intervals between them. If you need a multi-dose series, some doses may need to be given at a follow-up appointment. Plan accordingly.
What to Do With Prior Vaccination Records
Bringing complete vaccination records is the most important thing you can do to reduce the number of vaccines you need at your appointment. Here's how to handle different types of records:
U.S. vaccination records
Bring original records from your doctor, school, pharmacy, or employer. Electronic records from patient portals are also accepted.
Foreign vaccination records
Bring original foreign records even if they are in another language. The Civil Surgeon will review them. Translation is helpful but not always required.
Immunization registry printouts
Request a printout from your state immunization registry (e.g., CAIR2 in California). This is often the most complete record available.
Prior disease documentation
For varicella (chickenpox), prior disease may substitute for vaccination if documented by a healthcare provider. Bring any relevant medical records.
Titer test results
Serologic evidence of immunity (titer tests) may substitute for vaccination for some vaccines. Bring titer results if you have them.
What Happens If You're Missing Vaccines
If you are missing required vaccines, they will be administered at your appointment. This is normal and expected for many applicants, particularly those from countries with different vaccination schedules.
Single missing doses
Can typically be administered on the day of your exam. No additional appointment needed.
Multi-dose series
If you need a series (e.g., Hepatitis B), the first dose is given at your exam. Subsequent doses require follow-up appointments.
Cost implications
Each vaccine administered adds to your exam cost. Bringing complete records minimizes the number of vaccines needed.
Form I-693 completion
Your Form I-693 cannot be completed until all required vaccines are documented or administered.
Medical Waivers
Medical waivers are available for documented contraindications to specific vaccines. USCIS does not accept religious or personal belief exemptions.
Documented contraindications
Severe allergic reactions to vaccine components, specific medical conditions, or prior adverse reactions may qualify for a waiver.
Documentation required
You must provide documentation from a licensed physician confirming the contraindication. The Civil Surgeon makes the final determination.
Age-based exemptions
Some vaccines are not required below certain ages. These are not waivers — they are simply age-based exclusions from the requirement.
Same-Day Vaccine Administration at Our Clinic
All Required Vaccines Available On-Site
Our clinic stocks all USCIS-required vaccines and can administer them on the day of your exam. You don't need to visit a separate pharmacy or vaccination clinic before your appointment.
- All USCIS-required vaccines stocked and available
- Vaccines administered by trained clinical staff
- Vaccine costs included in our transparent pricing
- Same-day administration for most single-dose requirements
- Follow-up appointments available for multi-dose series
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Medical & Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. USCIS vaccine requirements, ACIP recommendations, and immigration policies may change without notice. Always consult a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon and a qualified immigration attorney for guidance specific to your individual case.