The Orlando Sentinel reported that starting December 14, 2009, immigrant females will no longer be required to have been vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV).  Therefore, HPV will no longer be on the list of immunizations female immigrants 11 to 26 years of age must receive before becoming permanent residents (green card holders).

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) made the change last week Friday.  However, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) in consultation with the CDC maintain their position that immunizations for which there are public health concerns either at the time the foreign national immigrates permanently to the U.S. are required.

In addition to removing the HPV vaccine from the list of required vaccinations, the Zoster vaccine will no longer be required of foreign nationals aged 60 or older immigrating to the U.S.