Now is a great time to make sure your child has the vaccinations they’ll need. Not only are vaccines required for school and childcare, they’re also among the best tools to help your child stay healthy and thrive, this year and beyond.
Start with your healthcare provider
Start by making an appointment with your child’s doctor. You can use this opportunity to also talk with your child’s doctor about any other health concerns, get a general wellness check, or complete a sports physical. Some healthcare providers offer vaccination-only visits if you’re pressed for time or have no other healthcare needs.
In Washington state, all children ages 0 to 18 can get vaccinated at no cost from a healthcare provider that participates in the Childhood Vaccine Program (CVP). Your healthcare provider might charge an administration fee (a fee for giving the vaccine), but you can ask to have it waived if you can’t afford it. Find a CVP provider near you.
No-cost vaccination clinics may be a good option for your family
Multiple back-to-school clinics are underway in the coming weeks, hosted by Go-Vax Kids in collaboration with school districts and other community partners.
Clinics are open to children ages 0-18 who:
- Live in South King County or
- Are uninsured or have insurance that doesn’t cover vaccinations or
- Are experiencing homelessness or
- Recently moved to the United States and don’t have a medical provider.
Vaccines at these clinics are available at no cost and you don’t need insurance or proof of immigration status. The clinic may ask you to provide insurance information, but they won’t charge you or turn anyone away for lack of insurance. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian. If you’ve got vaccination records from another state or country, bring them!
Limited vaccines available for uninsured adults.
Check on kingcounty.gov/findaclinic for times and locations. Be sure to confirm details before attending an event.
What immunizations are required for school?
Vaccines required for school protect children from nine different serious diseases. A child can meet the requirements by showing evidence that they are immune from past infection or by getting the required vaccines. These include:
- DTaP for kindergarten/Tdap for seventh grade (protects against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus)
- Hepatitis b
- MMR (protects against measles, mumps, rubella)
- Polio
- Varicella (also known as chickenpox)
Find immunization charts for school in 18 different languages.
Where can I find more information on vaccinations for school and childcare in Washington state?
Visit the Washington Department of Health’s webpage: School and Child Care Immunizations Information for Families.
Originally posted on August 6, 2024.