School’s about more than math quizzes and book reports. It’s where kids go to play, grow, and build community. But where kids thrive, so do germs. Enter: vaccinations! Vaccinations are the body’s practice test for diseases like measles and whooping cough. That way, if the real thing shows up, kids’ immune systems know exactly what to do.
Vaccinations required for school and child care
Children entering school, child care, or other early learning programs are required to get certain vaccinations before they can start. Check the full list of requirements in multiple languages to make sure your child is up to date.
Beat the crowd: make a back-to-school vaccination appointment now
Pediatricians are never more popular than during back-to-school season, and snagging an appointment can get tricky later in the summer. If your child’s due for vaccinations, save yourself some frustration and take a few minutes now to make an appointment.
Don’t have a healthcare provider? Not to worry. Use this map to find one. And if you need help enrolling in health insurance or finding a doctor, the Community Health Access Program’s got you covered. Call 800-756-5437 or email chap@kingcounty.gov.
Limited mobile vaccination options this year
There are fewer community-located vaccination clinics this year than in recent years. That’s because federal funding that supported most clinics ended this past June. Check out the calendar at the bottom of this page for a list of upcoming clinics and to see if you’re eligible.
Save your money with no-cost vaccines
Here in Washington State, all kids ages 0-18 can get vaccines at no cost, whether you have insurance or not. You might be charged an administration fee by the vaccine provider, but you don’t have to pay if you can’t afford it. If you’re getting other services at the same time, like a sports physical or well-child check, you might be charged an office visit fee. But you’ll never be charged for the cost of the vaccine.
Not required, but still essential
COVID and flu vaccines aren’t required but we couldn’t recommend them more. Why? Because they protect against the diseases your child’s most likely to come across just by being out in the world. That means fewer missed days of school and a happier, healthier kid. And when your kid doesn’t pass along illness, you also end up taking fewer sick days.
Children are less likely to get severe COVID than adults, but Long COVID can strike people of all ages. Long COVID can range in severity from “brain fog” that makes it difficult to pay attention in class to severe exhaustion that makes it hard to even leave home. Previously healthy people can get it, even after a mild case of COVID. Studies have shown that staying up to date with your COVID vaccinations reduces your risk of Long COVID.
Not sure what shots your child needs?
If your child’s due for shots, their school should let you know. You can also take a look at your child’s vaccination record and even print a copy by signing up for MyIR Mobile. Learn more about ways to access your family’s immunization information.
For more information, visit Where to Get Vaccinated in King County.
Originally published on August 12, 2025.