Influenza Vaccine Requirement for Immigration

The influenza (flu) vaccine is required for immigration applicants as part of the USCIS vaccination requirements. Unlike most other required vaccines, the influenza vaccine is seasonal — it is reformulated each year to match the circulating flu strains. ACIP recommends annual influenza vaccination for all individuals aged 6 months and older, and USCIS follows this recommendation for immigration applicants.

Flu Season and Timing of Your Exam

The influenza vaccine requirement is tied to flu season, which in the United States typically runs from October through March. If your immigration medical exam is scheduled during flu season, you will be required to receive the current season's influenza vaccine (unless you have documentation of receiving it that season).

If your exam is scheduled outside of flu season — typically April through September — the influenza vaccine requirement may be deferred until the vaccine becomes available for the upcoming season. Your civil surgeon will advise you on how this affects your Form I-693.

Annual Requirement and Documentation

Because the influenza vaccine is reformulated annually, documentation of a flu shot from a prior year does not satisfy the current year's requirement. You must receive the current season's influenza vaccine. If you have already received the flu shot for the current season before your immigration medical exam, bring documentation of the vaccination (including the date and vaccine lot number if available) to your appointment.

Types of Influenza Vaccines

Several types of influenza vaccines are available, including standard-dose inactivated vaccines, high-dose vaccines (recommended for adults 65 and older), and live attenuated intranasal vaccines. The live attenuated nasal spray vaccine is contraindicated for certain individuals, including pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. Your civil surgeon will administer the appropriate formulation for your age and health status.

What If You Have a Contraindication to the Flu Vaccine?

Contraindications to the influenza vaccine include severe allergic reactions to prior flu vaccine doses or vaccine components (such as egg protein in some formulations). Egg-free influenza vaccines are available for individuals with egg allergies. If you have a documented contraindication, the civil surgeon will note this on Form I-693 and USCIS will evaluate the situation as part of your application.