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Immigrant, Refugee and Migrant Health
Notices and Features
New! Revised Vaccination Criteria for U.S. Immigration
On November 13, 2009, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted a Federal Register Notice revising the vaccination criteria for U.S. immigration. CDC will use this criteria for vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to decide which vaccines will be required for U.S. immigration. The criteria will be used at regular periods, as needed, by CDC.
New! Final Rule Removing HIV Infection from U.S. Immigration Screening
On November 2, 2009, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a final rule that removes HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection from the list of communicable diseases of public health significance. As a result, HIV infection will not prevent non-U.S. citizens from entering the United States. Further, HIV testing will no longer be required for U.S. immigration medical screening.
Addendum to 2007 Technical Instructions for Tuberculosis Screening and Treatment
CDC has developed these addendum instructions for travel clearances for 10 years of age or younger.
Facts for Parents Adopting Overseas
Adopting a child from overseas is a very long and complex process, and CDC understands the concerns of adoptive parents, adoption agencies, and advocates. CDC must balance the need to protect the health of immigrant applicants, the needs of U.S.-bound families, and the health of those in the United States. Thus, CDC sets guidelines to protect all these groups from the spread of serious disease. To learn more about medical screening for adoptees and other immigrants, please read the following FAQs »
Notice of Proposed Vaccination Criteria for U.S. Immigration
On April 8, 2009, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted a Federal Register Notice on proposed vaccination criteria for U.S. immigration. Currently, vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the general U.S. population are also required for...more »
Medical Examinations of Aliens
Medical Examinations of Aliens (Refugees and Immigrants)
Medical screening guidelines (referred to as Technical Instructions) for all examining physicians, which outline in detail the scope of the medical examination for U.S. The purpose is to identify, for the Department of State and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, applicants with inadmissible health-related conditions.
Refugee Health
(PDF 40 KB) 
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