If you were vaccinated as a child but can’t find the records, you have two ways to meet the I-693 vaccination requirement: get the vaccine again, or prove you are already immune with a blood test called a titer.
What is a titer test?
A titer measures antibodies in your blood. A positive (immune) result shows you are protected against a disease, so the civil surgeon can record immunity on Form I-693 instead of giving the vaccine.
Which titers do we offer?
At Aziz Medical Center we can check your immunity with a titer for:
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- MMR — measles, mumps and rubella
- Hepatitis B
For other required vaccines (for example tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis or polio) without a record, the vaccine is given at your visit.
When a titer makes sense
- You are fairly sure you were vaccinated or had the disease (for example, chickenpox as a child) but have no paperwork.
- You would rather avoid repeat shots.
- You have a medical reason to avoid a particular vaccine.
When a vaccine is simpler
- Speed: a vaccine is given on the spot, while a titer needs a blood draw and a few days for results.
- Cost: depending on the vaccine, one dose can cost less than the matching titer.
- If the titer is negative (not immune), you will need the vaccine anyway.
Our advice
Bring every record you have first — that alone often settles it. At your visit the civil surgeon will look at what is missing and tell you, for each disease, whether a titer or a vaccine is the faster and cheaper route. Titers and vaccines are priced separately from the $375 exam fee — call the office for prices.
Book your exam or read more about immigration vaccines.
General information, not medical or legal advice. Your civil surgeon decides what applies to you; for case questions, ask your attorney or see uscis.gov/i-693.
