TB Testing and COVID-19 Vaccination
TB Testing
Under the rules of the U4U program, you are required to take the tuberculosis test within 90 days of your arrival. Please note that it must be an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) test, which is a blood test, not a skin test. In some cities or counties, the local Health Department may provide these tests free of charge, so check their websites first. Also, many resettlement agencies offer these free of charge on a regular basis, so please ask your caseworker. If the testing is not offered through the health department or resettlement agency, you might want to wait until your health insurance is approved, and then contact a primary care physician (PCP) to get a referral. This way, you may use your insurance coverage to pay for the test.
When you receive your test results, visit your USCIS account online and enter the information there.
Myth #1
Because of my childhood BCG vaccine, my TB test will always come back positive.
Reality
The BCG vaccine may affect the results of the skin test, but the blood test will not be affected by it.
Myth #2
If my test comes back positive, I will be deported. OR “I will never be able to apply for a Green Card,” “I will lose my medical insurance, “I will never get approved for any benefits.”
Reality
None of these scenarios will happen. If you get a positive result you will be referred to get an X-ray first. If your X-ray is negative, you have nothing to worry about. You may be prescribed a prophylactic treatment, or in some cases asked to come back for testing every 6 months.
COVID-19 Vaccination
Under the rules of the U4U program, you are required to provide an attestation of full COVID-19 vaccination within 90 days of arrival. Once you are fully vaccinated, visit your USCIS account and complete the COVID-19 attestation there.
If you had two shots of a two-step COVID-19 vaccine, you are considered fully vaccinated and do not need to get any additional vaccinations. It does not matter when you had these shots and whether or not you have had boosters, you are still fully vaccinated from the point of view of the USCIS.
If you are partially vaccinated you will need to complete your vaccinations in the US. Please download your vaccination card using the Diia (Дія) portal. For partially vaccinated individuals, the vaccine information and the date indicated in your Diia card will help a U.S. medical professional or pharmacist select an appropriate vaccine and a time to complete the vaccination.
You do not need insurance to get vaccinated — it is free for everyone. One of the easiest ways to get vaccinated is to go to a large pharmacy. You will need to schedule an appointment online.
Walgreens: COVID-19 Vaccination | Walgreens Immunization Services
Health Mart: Health Mart COVID-19 - Member Login (pdhi.com)
If you don’t have insurance, please visit your city or county’s Department of Health website to obtain more information about community centers and other places that may offer COVID-19 vaccinations free of charge.
After your shot, you will be given a white card with your name and vaccine information. IMPORTANT: In some states, this may be the only record of your vaccination, so please do not lose this card. Take pictures of it or scan it, as many places accept digital copies now. Do not laminate it, as this may damage the card or prevent it from being accepted.
Myth
My child does not need to be vaccinated, as vaccines are not approved for kids.
Reality
In the U.S., vaccines are approved for children aged 6 months and older. Proof of vaccination may be required by private daycare centers. Please make sure you are familiar with the specific requirements of your childcare provider during your child’s registration process.