Finding Official Immunization Records

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CDC does not have immunization record information. If you need official copies of immunization records for your child or to update your personal records, there are several places you can look:

Check with…

your child’s doctor or public health clinic:

However, doctor’s offices and clinics may only keep immunization records for a few years.

Your state’s health department:

You can:

Request a copy of your child’s immunization record.

Ask if your child’s immunization record is in an immunization registry, or Immunization Information  System (IIS). An IIS is a computer system your doctor or public health clinic may use to keep track of immunizations your child has received. Most states have an IIS; contact the IIS in the state where your child received their last shots to see if records exist. Find Your Child’s Immunization Record through Your State’s IIS.

your child’s school:

Some schools keep on file the immunization records of children who attended. However, schools generally keep these records for only a year or two after the student graduates, transfers to another school, or leaves the school system. After a student leaves the school system, schools send records to storage and they may not be able to access them unless they are stored in an IIS.

college medical or student health services for your college-age child

Many colleges provide vaccinations, especially those required for enrollment. Contact your college’s medical services or student health department for further information.

Make sure you keep up-to-date personal vaccine records. Ask the doctor or nurse to record each vaccine given on your child’s immunization record and write down the name of the doctor’s office or clinic.

When you keep track of your child’s vaccines:

  • Keep your child’s immunization record in a safe place where you can easily locate it.
  • Bring the record to each of your child’s doctor visits.
  • Ask the doctor or nurse to record the vaccine given, date, and dosage on your child’s immunization record.
  • Note where your child got the shot – knowing at which doctor’s office or clinic your child received a vaccine will help you get official records when you need them.

You can go to the Immunization Action Coalition’s site for more tips on locating old immunization records