CDC Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Immunization Requirements for Immigrants

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking public comment on a set of proposed criteria to be used in determining which vaccines, among those recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the United States’ general population, should be required for immigrants seeking admission into the U.S. or seeking permanent residence status. These specific criteria will be applied against each vaccine, rather than requiring all ACIP recommended vaccines for immigration purposes.

Through a notice (PDF) published in the Federal Register on April 8, CDC has proposed the following criteria:

  • the vaccine must be an age appropriate vaccine as recommended by ACIP for the general U.S. population, and
  • at least one of the following: (1) the vaccine must protect against a disease that has the potential to cause an outbreak, or (2) the vaccine must protect against a disease that has been eliminated in the United States, or is in the process for elimination in the United States.

The deadline for submitting written comments is May 8, 2009.

Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.