I-693 Vaccination List: Old vs. New Requirements
The required vaccinations listed on the I-693 form for U.S. immigration purposes have evolved over time. Below is a comparison of the key differences between the older vaccination requirements and the most current list as of July 2025.
Overview of Key Vaccines
| Disease/Vaccine | Old Requirement (pre-2020/2022) | New Requirement (post-2024/2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Polio | Required | Required, new formulations/polio changes as of May 2024 |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella | Required if born after 1956 | Required if born after 1956 |
| Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis | Required | Required |
| Hepatitis B | Required for children and young adults | Still required (up to age 59) |
| Hepatitis A | Not required before Aug 1, 2008 | Required for 12 months–18 years |
| Influenza | Only if during flu season, for select ages | Required seasonally, for all ≥6 months of age during flu season |
| Varicella | Required | Required |
| Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) | Not required pre-Aug 2008 | Required for children |
| Meningococcal | Not required pre-Aug 2008 | Required for 11–18 years age group |
| Pneumococcal | Required for children | Still required for children 2–59 months |
| Rotavirus | Not required pre-Aug 2008 | Now required in infancy |
| COVID-19 | Required from Oct 2021 to Jan 2025 | No longer required as of Mar 2025 |
| Human Papillomavirus (HPV) | Required for females 2008–2009 only | Not required after Dec 2009 |
| Zoster (Shingles) | Required for 60+ only Aug 2008–Dec 2009 | Not required after Dec 2009 |
Major Recent Changes
- COVID-19 Vaccine: Was required for all applicants starting October 2021, expanded to children as young as 6 months. As of January 20, 2025, the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required for immigration cases, and all related RFEs or denials based on this are removed.
- Polio Vaccine: The polio vaccination requirement has new CDC instructions as of May 1, 2024, but remains mandatory for relevant age groups.
- HPV and Zoster: Both were temporarily required (HPV for young women, Zoster for older adults) but have not been on the official list for over a decade.
- Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, Meningococcal: These vaccines were added after August 1, 2008, and continue to be enforced for appropriate younger age groups.
Age-Specific Requirements
Children (≤10 years):
- Additional requirements such as Hib, Rotavirus, and Pneumococcal.
Adolescents (11–17 years):
- Must have Hepatitis A, Meningococcal, plus standard series.
Adults (18–64 years):
- Standard vaccines (MMR, Polio, Tdap, Varicella, Influenza).
Elderly (≥65 years):
- MMR not required if born before 1957; Pneumonia emphasized.
Guidance for Applicants
Only age-appropriate vaccinations are required for each applicant, not the full list. If proof of previous age-appropriate vaccinations is available, additional shots may not be needed. Civil surgeons record all vaccines on the I-693 based on these evolving requirements.
Summary:
The main differences between the old and new I-693 vaccination requirements are the addition and removal of specific vaccines over time (notably COVID-19, HPV, Rotavirus), more age-tailored guidelines, and periodic updates from the CDC and USCIS. Always confirm age-specific and current year specifics prior to your exam.
