Vaccines for Immigration Medical Exam in Houston

Vaccinations are a required component of the immigration medical examination. To complete your I-693 form and move forward with your green card application, you must demonstrate that you’ve received all vaccines required by USCIS for your age group. At Houston Injury and Wellness Clinic, Dr. Foye Ikyaator is a USCIS-designated civil surgeon who can review your vaccination history, administer any missing vaccines, and complete your immigration physical all in one convenient location in Houston Heights.

Why Vaccines Are Required

U.S. immigration law requires applicants for permanent residence to show proof of vaccination against certain diseases. This requirement helps protect public health by ensuring that new residents are immunized against preventable communicable diseases.

The vaccination requirements are based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the same guidelines used for the general U.S. population. The specific vaccines you need depend on your age and what’s medically appropriate for your situation.

If you cannot show proof of required vaccinations, you’ll need to receive them before your I-693 can be completed. Missing vaccinations are one of the most common reasons immigration medical exams require additional visits, so coming prepared with your records is important.

Required Vaccines for Immigration

USCIS requires the following vaccines for immigration applicants, based on age-appropriate ACIP recommendations.

Mumps, Measles, and Rubella (MMR)

The MMR vaccine protects against three viral diseases. Most adults need two doses if they don’t have documented immunity. If you received this vaccine as a child and have records, additional doses may not be needed.

Polio

Polio vaccination is typically completed in childhood. Adults who completed their polio series do not usually need additional doses. If your records are incomplete, we can discuss whether additional vaccination is necessary.

Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap/Td)

Adults need documentation of tetanus and diphtheria vaccination, with at least one dose of Tdap to protect against pertussis (whooping cough). Boosters are recommended every ten years, and we can administer these if you’re due or overdue.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccination is required for most applicants. The series consists of two doses given six months apart. If you’ve started but not completed the series, you may be able to proceed with documentation of partial vaccination.

Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B vaccine series typically requires three doses. Like hepatitis A, partial series documentation may be acceptable in some circumstances, with a plan to complete the series.

Varicella (Chickenpox)

If you’ve had chickenpox, you may have immunity and not require vaccination. This can be verified through medical records documenting the illness or blood tests showing immunity. If you have no history of chickenpox and no vaccination record, you’ll need the vaccine.

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Pneumococcal vaccination requirements depend on your age. It’s routinely required for young children and adults 65 and older. Younger adults may need it if they have certain medical conditions.

Influenza (Flu)

The seasonal flu vaccine is required during flu season, which generally runs from October through March. If your exam takes place outside flu season, this vaccine may not be required at the time of your appointment.

Meningococcal Vaccine

Meningococcal vaccination is typically required for adolescents and young adults, as well as others in certain risk groups.

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)

This vaccine is generally required only for young children and is not typically needed for adult applicants.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus vaccination is required only for infants and is given as part of the standard childhood vaccination schedule.

COVID-19

USCIS requirements regarding COVID-19 vaccination have changed over time. As of the most recent guidance, COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for the immigration medical exam. However, requirements can change, and we stay current with all USCIS updates to ensure your exam meets the latest standards.

What If You Don't Have Vaccination Records?

Many applicants, particularly those who received vaccinations in other countries, have incomplete or missing records. This is a common situation, and there are several ways to address it.

Blood Tests for Immunity

For certain vaccines, a blood test called a titer can determine whether you have immunity from previous vaccination or natural infection. If the blood test shows adequate immunity, you may not need to repeat the vaccine. Titers are commonly used for MMR, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and varicella.

Repeat Vaccination

If records are unavailable and blood tests aren’t practical or don’t show immunity, receiving the vaccine again is safe and often the simplest solution. Repeating a vaccine you may have already received does not pose health risks.

Starting a New Series

For vaccines that require multiple doses, you can begin the series at your appointment. In some cases, USCIS allows the civil surgeon to complete your I-693 with documentation that you’ve started the series and a plan to complete it. We can discuss what’s acceptable for your specific situation.

Vaccines We Provide

At Houston Injury and Wellness Clinic, we stock the vaccines most commonly needed for immigration medical exams. In most cases, we can administer any missing vaccines during your appointment, allowing you to complete your requirements in a single visit.

If a specific vaccine is temporarily unavailable, we’ll let you know when scheduling your appointment and discuss alternatives. Our goal is to minimize delays and help you complete your immigration medical requirements as efficiently as possible.

Vaccine Costs

Vaccination costs are in addition to the base immigration exam fee. The total cost depends on which vaccines you need. When you schedule your appointment, let us know what vaccination records you have so we can give you an estimate of potential costs.

We believe in transparent pricing and will discuss all anticipated costs before administering vaccines. Payment is due at the time of service, and we accept [accepted payment methods].

How to Prepare

To minimize the chance of needing extra vaccines or additional visits, take these steps before your appointment.

Gather all vaccination records you have, including records from other countries. Documents in other languages are acceptable. Contact your previous healthcare providers or schools if you don’t have your records on hand. Make a list of any illnesses you’ve had that might provide natural immunity, such as chickenpox. If you know you’re missing certain vaccines, let us know when scheduling so we can ensure we have them available.

The more documentation you bring, the smoother your appointment will be.