Is the Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) Vaccine Required for Immigration?
Quick Answer
Yes, for children under 5 years of age. The Hib vaccine is required for immigration applicants who are age-eligible. Adults and children 5 years and older are generally not required to receive the Hib vaccine unless they have specific medical risk factors.
Hib Vaccine Requirement for Immigration
The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine protects against a serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, pneumonia, and other life-threatening illnesses, primarily in young children. USCIS requires all age-appropriate ACIP-recommended vaccines, and Hib is required for children under 5 years of age who have not completed the recommended series.
Age Requirements: Children Under 5
The Hib vaccine is routinely recommended for infants and young children. The primary series consists of 2–3 doses depending on the brand used, followed by a booster dose. The catch-up schedule applies to children up to their 5th birthday. Children who are 5 years or older at the time of their immigration medical exam are generally not required to receive Hib vaccine, as the risk of Hib disease decreases significantly after age 5.
Catch-Up Schedule for Children
Children under 5 who have not completed the Hib series will need to follow the ACIP catch-up schedule. The number of doses required depends on the child's age at the time catch-up begins and which Hib vaccine brand was previously used. For children 15 months through 4 years who have not received any Hib doses, only one dose is typically needed. The civil surgeon will review your child's vaccination records and determine what doses are still needed.
Adults Generally Not Required
Healthy adults do not routinely need the Hib vaccine and are not required to receive it for immigration purposes. However, adults with certain medical conditions — such as asplenia (absent or non-functional spleen), sickle cell disease, HIV infection, or other immunocompromising conditions — may be recommended to receive Hib vaccine. If you have one of these conditions, discuss it with the civil surgeon at your appointment.
Foreign Hib Vaccine Records
If your child received Hib vaccine in another country, bring those records to your immigration medical exam. Foreign vaccination records are generally accepted if they document the vaccine name, dates, and number of doses. The civil surgeon will review the records to determine whether the series is complete according to ACIP standards or whether additional doses are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
Ready to Schedule Your Immigration Medical Exam?
Our USCIS-designated civil surgeon is ready to help. Book your appointment online or call us today.
Continue Your Journey
What would you like to do next?
Keep learning
Browse All 363+ Questions
Explore every category — vaccinations, TB testing, Form I-693, pricing, appointment preparation, and more.
Check pricing
All-Inclusive Flat-Fee Pricing
One flat fee covers everything. No surprise charges. See exactly what you'll pay before you book.
More questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about the exam process and Form I-693.
Ready to book?
Book Online 24/7
Choose your appointment time. Instant confirmation. Same-day appointments frequently available.