Age-Appropriate Vaccine Requirements

Vaccine requirements for children applying for a green card follow the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) childhood immunization schedule. The specific vaccines required depend on your child's age and vaccination history. The civil surgeon will review your child's records and determine which vaccines, if any, still need to be administered.

Common Vaccines Required for Children

Depending on your child's age and vaccination history, required vaccines may include:

• DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) — multiple doses based on age
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) — two doses
• Varicella (chickenpox) — two doses or documented immunity
• Hepatitis B — three-dose series
• Hepatitis A — two doses for eligible age groups
• Polio (IPV) — complete series
• Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) — for young children
• PCV (pneumococcal conjugate) — for young children
• Rotavirus — for infants
• Meningococcal — for adolescents
• HPV — for eligible age groups (typically ages 9 through 26)

What to Bring to Your Child's Appointment

Bring all available vaccination records to your child's appointment, including records from foreign countries. Foreign records are generally accepted if they document the vaccine name, date administered, and healthcare provider. Records in languages other than English may need to be translated.

If your child's records are incomplete or missing, the civil surgeon will advise on options: obtaining replacement records, titer testing (for some vaccines), or receiving the missing vaccines.

What Happens If Vaccines Are Missing

If your child is missing required vaccines, the civil surgeon can administer them at the time of the immigration medical examination. Some vaccines require multiple doses over weeks or months, which may require follow-up appointments. Planning ahead and reviewing your child's vaccination history before the appointment is strongly recommended.