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Is the Polio Vaccine Required for I-693 Immigration Exam?
In 2024 the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated vaccination guidelines to include a requirement for all applicants 2 months and older to have proof of the polio vaccination. In other words, applicants must either receive a polio vaccine(s) or have an acceptable document showing previous polio vaccination to complete the I-693 Immigration Exam paperwork. It is the responsibility of the Civil Surgeon office to add your vaccine records to the current form I-693.
When Did the Change in Polio Vaccine Requirement Go Into Effect?
This change in requirement applies to all immigration medical exams completed on or after May 1, 2024.
What is the Reason for the Change?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), polio transmission continues to be a concern is several regions of the world. In order to protect against polio importation to the United States, USCIS expanded the age requirement for polio vaccination to nearly all immigration and refugee applicants.
How Many Doses of Polio are Required?
In the United States, to be considered fully vaccinated, children receive four doses and adults receive three doses of the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).
To avoid unnecessary delays in paperwork, USCIS does not require the applicant to receive all polio doses since doses are given over several months. In summary, for immigration purposes, applicants without proof of previous vaccination must show at least at least one dose of the polio vaccine at time of submitting immigration paperwork.
Is the Immunity Test for Polio Accepted for Immigration?
If you have received the polio vaccine series previously but no longer have the vaccination record, a polio titer immunity test is allowed by USCIS. Keep in mind, the polio titer test must include all three poliovirus types to be accepted as proof of immunity against polio for immigration paperwork. A negative titer test for any of the three polio types means you do not have detectable antibodies against polio virus and the vaccine is needed.
Can I Receive the Polio Vaccine from a Clinic Other Than the Civil Surgeon?
Yes, per USCIS, vaccines you receive elsewhere are acceptable for your Immigration Exam, however the polio vaccine can be hard to find. Many Civil Surgeon offices do not offer the polio vaccine and only provide the physical exam and paperwork. Additionally, primary care doctors and pharmacies often do not provide the polio vaccine to adults. That’s why many offices refer to Destination Health Clinic for those searching for the polio immunization.
Are Other Vaccines Required for Immigration?
For additional questions on all vaccination requirements and acceptable vaccine records for I-693 paperwork, please see our blog post on All USCIS Immigration Exam Vaccination Requirements.
Contact Destination Health Clinic for the Polio Vaccine
Destination Health Travel Clinic specializes in hard-to-find vaccines, ensuring that the polio vaccination is always available at any of our three Massachusetts locations; Braintree-Southshore, Natick-Framingham, & Longmeadow-Springfield. We also offer the polio titer immunity blood test with results available in 48-72 hours. Schedule your appointment online or contact the office nearest you for additional questions or schedule.
