Refugees are offered a health assessment (completed within 90 days from their date of arrival) at no charge to them, including immunizations needed for adjustment of immigration status. These health services are administered by the Refugee Health Program and provided by a local county health department, in accordance with U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement and CDC Refugee Health Medical Screening Guidelines.

All refugees are referred to primary care physicians for follow-up health care following completion of the domestic refugee health medical screening. Those with identified health conditions are referred to specialists for follow-up health care.

Eligibility

Immigration Status

The following individuals are eligible for medical services through the Refugee Health Program:

  • Afghan humanitarian parolees 
  • Asylees: Individuals granted asylum under section 208 INA
  • Certain Amerasians from Vietnam who are admitted to the U.S. as immigrants
  • Cuban and Haitian entrants in accordance with requirements in 45 CFR part 401
  • Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants per the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008
  • Refugees: Individuals admitted as a refugee under section 207 INA
  • Ukrainian humanitarian parolees 
  • Victims of Trafficking per the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA)
Time Limits
  • Asylees’ eligibility begins when asylee is granted asylum (not arrival date).
  • Eligibility for victims of trafficking begins on the date of their certification or letter from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (not the arrival date).
  • The health assessment must be initiated and completed in up to 90 days of the refugee’s arrival in the U.S. in order to be paid through the Refugee Health Program.
  • Immunizations should be initiated and completed in up to 364 days of arrival or eligibility date. In order to begin immunizations, a completed health assessment within 90 days of the client’s eligibility date must be on file.
Required Documentation
  • Copy of the I-94 card (or other document verifying immigration status) must be included in the client record.
  • Photo of the client should also be included in the client record.
  • Victims of trafficking will have a letter issued by the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement certifying eligibility for refugee services. 

Health Services

Health Assessment
  • Blood Pressure
  • Complete Blood Count and Metabolic Panel
  • Dental Screening
  • General Health Education
  • Hearing and Vision Exams
  • Height, Weight, and BMI Measurements
  • Hepatitis Screening
  • Immunization Serology
  • Mental Health Assessment
  • Lead Screening
  • Intestinal Parasite Testing
  • Pregnancy Testing
  • Provide Referrals
  • Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening
  • Tuberculosis Testing
  • Urinalysis
Immunizations
  • Diphtheria
  • Haemophiles influenza type B (minors only) 
  • Hepatitis A (minors only)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Inactivated poliovirus
  • Measles, mumps, and rubella
  • Meningococcal (minors only) 
  • Pertussis
  • Pneumococcal
  • Rotavirus (minors only) not required for adjustment of status
  • Tetanus
  • Varicella

Free immunizations are available for eligible refugees within 364 days of arrival. Immunizations are administered according to Vaccination Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons.