Age-Specific Vaccine Requirements for Seniors

Vaccine requirements for immigration applicants follow the ACIP immunization schedule, which is age-based. Seniors (generally defined as adults 65 and older, though some requirements begin at age 50 or 60) have specific vaccine requirements that differ from those of younger adults.

Vaccines Typically Required for Seniors

Based on the ACIP schedule, seniors applying for a green card typically need:

• Influenza — one dose annually during flu season
• Pneumococcal PCV15 or PCV20 — for adults 65 and older
• Pneumococcal PPSV23 — in combination with PCV, per ACIP schedule
• Tdap — one dose if not previously received as an adult
• Shingles (Shingrix/zoster) — two-dose series for adults 50 and older
• COVID-19 — per current ACIP recommendations

Vaccines That May Not Be Required for Seniors

Some vaccines required for younger applicants are generally not required for seniors. For example, the HPV vaccine is typically not required for applicants over age 26. The civil surgeon will apply the correct age-appropriate schedule and will not require vaccines that are outside the ACIP recommendations for your age group.

Bring Your Vaccination Records

Bring all available vaccination records to your appointment, including records of vaccines received in other countries. If you have received any of the required vaccines recently, documentation of those vaccines may reduce or eliminate the need for additional doses.

If your records are incomplete, the civil surgeon will advise on options including titer testing (for some vaccines) or receiving the missing vaccines.