How to find your child's vaccine records

Where should you look first?

1. The pediatric office. Call every practice your child has used, including urgent care and health department clinics, and ask for a printed immunization record. The CDC says providers should document the date, manufacturer and lot number of each vaccine, so ask for those details.
2. Your state's IIS. The CDC publishes a list of contacts for IIS immunization records, with each jurisdiction's phone number, portal or request link. The CDC notes that IISs consolidate records from multiple providers.
3. Papers you already have. Look for any vaccine card or printout from a hospital or clinic, and ask your child's school or childcare office whether it keeps a copy of what you submitted.
4. Previous providers and other states. If you moved, contact the IIS where your child had their last shots, as well as your own.

What counts as a valid record?

The CDC says only written documentation should be accepted as evidence of previous vaccination, with influenza vaccine as the one exception. Immunize.org adds that providers should accept written, dated records. A parent's memory does not count, which is why an IIS printout or a signed clinic record is worth getting.

What if the records are lost?

Immunize.org's summary of CDC guidance says to first try to locate records by contacting previous providers, checking state or local immunization information systems, and looking for a record you hold. If that fails, the person is considered susceptible and started on the age-appropriate schedule. Two other options exist for some vaccines:

• Repeating the doses. The CDC calls this an acceptable option that usually is safe, in its guidance for children with questionable records. Extra doses are generally not a medical problem.
• Blood tests (serology). Immunize.org says serologic testing is an alternative for certain antigens, such as measles, rubella and hepatitis A. It does not apply to every vaccine.

Which route fits depends on the vaccine and your child's age, so the practitioner decides. For a child born or vaccinated abroad, see adopted or immigrant children.

How do you enter prior doses in the planner?

In the planner, open "Already had some shots?" and record each dose your child has had. The planner then schedules only the doses that remain, at or after their minimum ages and intervals. It runs on your device, and your entries are not sent anywhere. Only enter doses you can document, and review the plan with your practitioner. Late doses do not restart a series: see do I restart if a dose is late.

Common questions

Can the CDC send me my child's vaccine record?

No. The CDC says it does not have vaccination record information. Records are held by providers and by state immunization information systems; use the CDC's list of IIS contacts to reach yours.

We moved. Which state do I contact?

The CDC suggests contacting the immunization information system in your state or in the state where your child received their last shots. Contact the previous providers too, since a system may not have everything.

We cannot find any record. Does my child have to start over?

Possibly, but look first. Immunize.org, summarizing CDC guidance, says to try previous providers, state or local immunization information systems, and any record you hold yourself. If records truly cannot be found, the child is considered susceptible and started on the age-appropriate schedule. Extra doses are generally not a medical problem, though excess tetanus-containing doses can increase local reactions. Your practitioner decides.

Can a blood test replace missing records?

Sometimes. Immunize.org says serologic testing for immunity is an alternative to vaccination for certain antigens, such as measles, rubella and hepatitis A. The CDC also describes serologic testing as an option for some vaccines, such as diphtheria and tetanus in a child with three or more recorded doses. It does not work for every vaccine, so ask your practitioner which tests apply.

Is my memory or a parent's word enough?

Generally no. The CDC says only written documentation should be accepted as evidence of previous vaccination, with influenza vaccine the one exception where self-report can be accepted.