You can find out if your child is up to date on their routine vaccines by contacting your:
- Child’s doctor or the last place your child received a vaccination, such as a pharmacy or clinic
- State’s immunization registry
- Child’s school
When you call:
- Ask if your child is up to date on their vaccines.
- Ask for a copy of your child’s vaccination records.
- If your child is:
- Behind, make an appointment to catch up as soon as possible.
- Up to date, ask which vaccines your child needs next and when. Then, make an appointment to get them the vaccines they need in the future.
If you do not know where to call to get your child a vaccine appointment, you can use the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Find a pediatrician tool. Or you can contact your local health department. They will be able to point you in the right direction.
Why it is important to know if your child is up to date on their vaccines
- You have peace of mind knowing your child has the best protection as they grow. For example, if measles is spreading in your area but your child is up to date on their MMR vaccine, you can be confident they are protected against disease.source: 1
- You may need to show proof your child received certain vaccinations to go to school, play sports, or travel to certain countries.source: 2
- You can know they have the best protection if an outbreak occurs.source: 1
- Your child’s doctor may change or your child’s records can get lost.
A Deeper Dive: How to find and keep your child’s immunization record
Vaccination records are a useful tool to keep track of your child’s vaccinations. They are often needed to ensure your child can participate in school, sports, travel, and social opportunities.source: 2 It’s a good idea to keep a copy of your child’s vaccination records as soon as they get their first vaccine.
Your state’s immunization registry may keep track of your child’s vaccines for you. This is an electronic vaccine record that combines your child’s vaccine information into one place.
If your child’s doctor does not use your state’s immunization registry or you prefer paper documents, you can keep track of your child’s vaccines with a vaccine tracking card. Ask your child’s doctor or state health department for a vaccine tracking card. You can keep it with other important documents, like your child’s birth certificate.
More information
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Why It's Important to Be Up to Date on Vaccines
- Cleveland Clinic: Childhood Immunization Schedule
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Childhood Immunization Schedule for Ages | 0-6 Years
Still have questions? Talk to your child’s doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
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