When Should I Get My Flu Shot Before My Immigration Medical Exam?
Quick Answer
Ideally, you should get your flu shot during flu season (typically October through March) before your immigration medical exam. If the current season's flu vaccine is not yet available, the civil surgeon will document this and you may need a follow-up appointment once the vaccine becomes available.
Influenza Vaccine Requirement for Immigration
The influenza (flu) vaccine is required annually for all immigration applicants aged 6 months and older. Unlike most other required vaccines, the flu vaccine is seasonal — a new formulation is released each year to match the circulating strains. This seasonal nature creates unique timing considerations for immigration medical exams.
Flu Season and Vaccine Availability
Flu vaccines for the upcoming season typically become available in late August or September in the United States. The CDC and ACIP recommend that most people receive their annual flu vaccine by the end of October, though vaccination later in the season still provides benefit. If you schedule your immigration medical exam during the summer months before the new season's vaccine is available, the civil surgeon will note that the current season's vaccine has not yet been released.
What Happens If the Flu Vaccine Is Not Yet Available
If you have your immigration medical exam before the current flu season's vaccine is available, the civil surgeon will document on Form I-693 that the influenza vaccine was not yet available for the current season. In this situation, you will typically need a follow-up appointment to receive the flu vaccine once it becomes available. Form I-693 cannot be finalized until all required vaccines have been administered or properly documented.
Timing Recommendations for Your Exam
To avoid a follow-up appointment for the flu vaccine, consider scheduling your immigration medical exam between October and March, when the current season's flu vaccine is readily available. If you must schedule your exam in the summer, be prepared for the possibility of a follow-up appointment for the flu shot. Our office will advise you on the best timing based on your individual situation and immigration timeline.
Documentation of Prior Flu Vaccination
If you received the current season's flu vaccine before your immigration medical exam — for example, at your regular doctor's office or a pharmacy — bring documentation of that vaccination to your appointment. A vaccination record showing the vaccine name, date, and lot number is ideal. If you received the flu vaccine at a pharmacy, you can typically obtain a printout of your vaccination record.
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