U.S. immigration medical exams require applicants to show proof of vaccination against a list of diseases identified by public health guidelines. The exact vaccines you need depend on your age, medical history, and current CDC requirements, but all applicants are screened against the full list.
List of Vaccines Required for Immigration
During your immigration medical exam, the civil surgeon will check your records against the vaccines required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These include:
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Polio
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A (primarily for children)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (primarily for children)
- Pneumococcal vaccines (for infants and older adults)
- Meningococcal vaccine (for certain age groups)
- Rotavirus (for infants)
- Influenza (flu) – required October 1 through March 31
Not every applicant will need every vaccine. The list is broad because it covers all age groups and medical situations.
Which Vaccines Are Most Common for Adult Applicants?
Most adults are commonly assessed for Tdap, MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, and influenza during flu season. Polio may also be required if you do not have documentation of a completed primary series.
If you have already received these vaccines or have proof of immunity, you may not need additional doses.
How Age and Medical History Affect Requirements
Vaccine requirements are not one-size-fits-all. The civil surgeon will determine what applies to you based on:
- Your age at the time of the exam
- Your vaccination history
- Laboratory evidence of immunity
- Any medical conditions that affect eligibility
For example, vaccines like rotavirus or Hib are only required for children, while pneumococcal vaccines may apply to older adults.
We review your documentation carefully so you only receive what is necessary.
What If You Are Missing Required Vaccines?
If you are missing required vaccines or do not have documentation, they generally must be addressed before your Form I-693 can be completed.
We can administer required vaccines during your visit at an additional cost, including:
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Hepatitis B
- Polio
- Influenza (when in season)
We provide these vaccinations on-site at our Jamaica, Queens clinic, so you can complete your immigration medical exam in one location without unnecessary delays.
When Is the Flu Vaccine Required?
The influenza vaccine is required for applicants 6 months and older when it is seasonally available. For immigration medical exams, flu season generally runs from October 1 through March 31.
If your exam falls within this period, you should expect to receive the flu vaccine unless a valid exemption applies. If your appointment is outside of flu season, the vaccine is not required.
Are Vaccine Waivers Available?
In some cases, a vaccine may not be required. Common exceptions include medical contraindications, age-based exemptions, and documented immunity. If you object to a required vaccine based on religious or moral convictions, the civil surgeon will document that you are seeking an individual waiver, and you would need to apply to USCIS for that waiver. Approval is not automatic.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
To avoid delays, bring:
- Your vaccination records
- Any lab results showing immunity
- Government-issued identification
If you are unsure what you have received, we will help assess your records and explain your next steps during the exam.
Complete Your Immigration Medical Exam Without Delays
Vaccination compliance is a required part of the immigration medical exam, and missing records can slow your application. Preparing in advance helps you move forward without unnecessary appointments.
At Rock Medical P.C., we review your vaccination history, identify what is required, and provide select vaccines during your visit. If you are scheduling an immigration medical exam in New York, contact us to book your appointment and stay on track.
