Vaccines protect kids from serious diseases. Keep up-to-date on your child’s immunizations, and you’ll be helping them stay healthy to do all the things they enjoy.

• Childhood vaccines are free in Washington State. You can get them from your health care provide or a community clinic. If you qualify, you can also get vaccines from us during our Childhood Immunization Clinic Hours.
• Find out which vaccines your child must have before attending school or child care.
• Check your family’s vaccination records online with Washington MyIR.
• Vaccines are safe and effective. Learn more about how vaccines are tested and how they protect your child.

Where can I get immunizations?

Childhood immunizations are free in Washington State for everyone under age 19.

Most insurance plans cover all the costs of getting vaccines. Visit your usual health care provider to get your shots, or check with a pharmacy to find a location near you that offers vaccines.

If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t fully cover vaccines, you can still get them for free through the Vaccines for Children program.

• Many health care providers in Whatcom County can provide free childhood vaccines. Some providers might charge a small fee for the office visit.
• We offer free vaccines for children who:
  • Are uninsured.
  • Have insurance that doesn’t cover vaccines.
  • Don’t have a primary care provider.
  • Have a primary care provider who doesn’t provide vaccines.
  • Otherwise can’t access vaccines.

Call us at 360-778-6100 if you need help finding free vaccines for your child.

Which vaccines should my child have?

Getting vaccinated early in life gives your child protection from diseases before they are exposed to them. Use the recommended immunization schedules below, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to know which shots your child needs and when.

• Ages 0-6: Available in English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF)
• Ages 7-18: Available in English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF)

Before attending school or child care, your child must be up-to-date on their vaccines. Find out what’s required:

• Child care and preschool immunization requirements for Washington State, 2020-2021: English (PDF), Spanish (PDF), Russian (PDF)
• School immunization requirements for Washington State, 2020-202a: English (PDF), Spanish (PDF), Russian (PDF)

How can I check my child’s immunization records?

There are a few ways to access your family’s immunization information:

• Sign up for Washington MyIR where you can view, download, and print immunization records.
• Request your records from your usual health care provider. Most providers can access records through the Washington State Immunization Information System. Check with them first to make sure they have your complete records.
• Request a complete immunization record from the Washington State Department of Health.

How can I learn more about vaccines?

You make educated choices about your family’s health and well-being every day, from which car seats to use to what food you eat or how to find quality child care. The choice to immunize is no different.

• Get in-depth information for parents about childhood vaccines.
• Learn more about diseases and the vaccines that prevent them.
• Find out how vaccines are tested for safety.
• Check out Plain Talk about Childhood Immunizations, a comprehensive booklet about vaccines. Available in:
  English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF) | Russian (PDF)