Meningococcal Vaccine Requirement for Immigration

The meningococcal vaccine protects against Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium that can cause bacterial meningitis and bloodstream infections. USCIS requires meningococcal vaccination for immigration applicants who meet the age and risk criteria established by ACIP. The requirement is not universal — it applies to specific age groups and individuals with certain medical conditions.

Age-Based Requirements for Adolescents and Young Adults

ACIP recommends meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) for all adolescents at age 11 or 12, with a booster dose at age 16. Young adults aged 16 through 23 who did not receive the booster dose are also recommended to receive it.

For immigration purposes, applicants in these age groups who lack documentation of meningococcal vaccination will be required to receive the appropriate doses. The civil surgeon will review your vaccination history and advise on any doses needed.

High-Risk Medical Conditions

Individuals of any age with certain high-risk medical conditions are also recommended to receive meningococcal vaccination. These conditions include:

• Functional or anatomic asplenia (absent or non-functioning spleen)
• Complement component deficiencies
• HIV infection
• Travel to or residence in areas where meningococcal disease is hyperendemic
• First-year college students living in residential housing (if not previously vaccinated)

MenACWY vs. MenB Vaccines

Two main types of meningococcal vaccines are available: MenACWY (which protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y) and MenB (which protects against serogroup B). ACIP recommendations for MenB differ from those for MenACWY. MenB vaccination is recommended for certain high-risk individuals and may be offered to adolescents and young adults as a shared clinical decision. Your civil surgeon will advise you on which vaccine(s) are required for your situation.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring all vaccination records to your immigration medical exam, including any meningococcal vaccine records. If you received meningococcal vaccination as part of a school or college requirement, those records should be available from your school health office. If you have a high-risk medical condition, bring documentation of your diagnosis as well.