USCIS Doctors Vaccination Requirements 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal law requires USCIS to mandate vaccinations for immigration medical exams?
- Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (Correct answer)
- Public Health Service Act
- Affordable Care Act
- Homeland Security Act
Correct answer: Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requires applicants to receive vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases as a condition of admission.
Question 2: Which vaccine is specifically required for applicants aged 11–12 years during the immigration medical exam?
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) (Correct answer)
- Hepatitis A
- Rotavirus
- HPV
Correct answer: Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
Tdap is the recommended booster for preteens aged 11–12, and it is required during immigration medical exams for that age group.
Question 3: What must a civil surgeon do if an applicant has a documented history of prior varicella disease?
- Document the history and waive the varicella vaccine (Correct answer)
- Administer the varicella vaccine regardless
- Defer the decision to USCIS
- Order a varicella titer test only
Correct answer: Document the history and waive the varicella vaccine
A reliable history of prior varicella disease is considered acceptable evidence of immunity, and the civil surgeon may document this to waive the vaccine.
Question 4: For influenza vaccination during immigration exams, what is the correct requirement?
- Required only during influenza season (October–March) (Correct answer)
- Required year-round regardless of season
- Optional for all applicants
- Required only for applicants over 65
Correct answer: Required only during influenza season (October–March)
Influenza vaccine is required only during the flu season, typically from October through March in the US.
Question 5: What CDC schedule do civil surgeons use as the basis for required vaccinations?
- Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) schedule (Correct answer)
- World Health Organization (WHO) schedule
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) schedule
- Department of Defense immunization schedule
Correct answer: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) schedule
Civil surgeons must follow the ACIP-recommended immunization schedule, which is endorsed by CDC for all required vaccines.
Question 6: If an applicant has a contraindication to MMR vaccine, what must the civil surgeon do?
- Document the contraindication on Form I-693 and note why the vaccine was not given (Correct answer)
- Administer the vaccine anyway and monitor for reactions
- Automatically deny the medical exam
- Refer the applicant to a specialist before completing the form
Correct answer: Document the contraindication on Form I-693 and note why the vaccine was not given
When a contraindication exists, the civil surgeon must document it on Form I-693, explaining the medical reason the vaccine was not administered.
Which federal law requires USCIS to mandate vaccinations for immigration medical exams?