The United for Ukraine program was created earlier this year (2022) as a humanitarian response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This program brought over Ukrainians affected by the war under an expedited process. As they arrive to the US, the USCIS (United States Citizenship & Immigration Services) has published a number of medical requirements.
As a Civil Surgeon, I recently received calls from Unite for Ukraine parolees or their sponsors asking about these requirements. There has been no published guidelines or any notifications from the USCIS to the Civil Surgeons on this matter – so Civil Surgeons don’t have any additional information.
After I received these calls, I reviewed some of the public documents from the USCIS and spoken with local officials and here is what I learned so far (updated 07/30/2022) re medical requirements:
- ***THIS IS NOT THE I693 IMMIGRATION MEDICAL EXAM by CIVIL SURGEONS ***.
- The Civil Surgeon I693 immigration exam costs $300-550 in Portland and is not covered by medicaid or any insurances.
- The Unite for Ukraine medical requirements can be done by ANY doctor’s office and is covered by insurance or medicaid.
- see: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/uniting-for-ukraine/frequently-asked-questions-about-uniting-for-ukraine —> “Medical Screening and Vaccinations”.
- How to attest? Each parolee signs onto their USCIS profile / account and, somewhere in there, is an option to self-attest to the vaccines (Meales, Polio, COVID) and TB test. They are taking the parolee at their word.
- *** There is NO paperwork (doctors note, government form, lab results, etc.) that needs to be submitted***
- What is the time frame?
- These medical Requirements was initially to be done within 14 days, but as of 07/13/2022, this has been extended to 90 days of arrival. See: (https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/time-frame-extended-for-uniting-for-ukraine-parolees-to-comply-with-medical-screening-and)
- What is required?
- Vaccines: Need at least 1 measles vaccine, 1 polio vaccine, and 1 COVID vaccine. All these vaccines are series (more than 1, requiring boosters) but you do not need to complete the series before attesting.
- TB test: T-SPOT or Quantiferon Gold TB test.
- *There are a few exceptions for the vaccines & TB test. Read the USCIS link for details.
- See: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/uniting-for-ukraine/uniting-for-ukraine-vaccine-attestation
- How much do these vaccines & tests cost if you don’t have insurance or medicaid?
- Polio vaccine = (pending pricing / location) — not frequently carried by pharmacies.
- Measles (MMR) vaccine = $90-$100 at pharmacy with Goodrx.com coupon
- COVID vaccine = free at pharmacy.
- Vaccines typically 100% covered by medicaid or insurance.
- TB test = ~$140 for uninsured patients at my clinic. There are also free county TB testing options. See list below for county free TB tests (BUT NOT VACCINES)
- Please email if any questions (info@interstitium.me) or want to schedule an appointment – free for Unite for Ukraine parolees.
| UforU TB Testing resource lines | Last Updated: 6/24/2022 | |
| County | Phone # | Notes |
| Clackamas County | 503-655-8411 | No cost TB testing and vaccinations |
| Marion County | 503-588-5342 | Call Main clinic number to schedule blood draw M-Th |
| Multnomah County | 503-988-3406 | Call to schedule an appointment for QFT |
| Washington County | 503-846-3594 | Call main line and specify UforU status and need for IGRA |
Interstitium 