11/25/2009 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine: Limited Geographical and Temporal Availability

[Immigration Office]

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine: Limited Geographical and Temporal Availability


(This message is effective as of November 25, 2009) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have informed USCIS that the availability of the seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine varies both geographically and temporally. Please see the CDC's message under "More Information" to the right. The seasonal flu vaccine is one of the vaccines required for applicants for adjustment of status, 6 months through 18 years of age, and individuals ages 50 years or older. The receipt of the required vaccines is recorded on Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (10/14/2009 edition date).
Based on CDC's information, Form I-693 may be accepted without the seasonal flu vaccine if the following conditions are met:

• The civil surgeon (or for refugees only the health department) does not have the seasonal flu vaccine available; AND
• If the Form I-693 is completed by a civil surgeon, the civil surgeon either has referred the applicant to the health department to obtain the seasonal flu vaccine, or has contacted the health department for the availability of the seasonal flu vaccine, but the health department does not have the seasonal flu vaccine available; AND
• The civil surgeon (or for refugees only the health department) notates on the form, in the row for the seasonal flu vaccine of the vaccination chart, the following: "vaccine unavailable at health department"

If the civil surgeon notates "vaccine unavailable at health department," USCIS will grant a blanket waiver for the seasonal flu vaccine. Note that the form has to be properly annotated as shown above for the waiver to be granted or the form may be returned.
This notice is effective immediately and extends through March 31, 2010.
Until further notice is given by CDC, the H1N1 influenza vaccine is not part of the vaccination requirements for purposes of Form I-693.