Your Child and Routine Vaccines
Another part of growing up
Vaccines are safe and help kids grow up happy, healthy, and strong. The vaccines protect children, their friends and classmates, and the community from preventable and serious diseases. Infants and children should get vaccines early in life, as recommended by their doctors, because they can catch serious diseases at a young age.
Make sure your child stays healthy and up to date on vaccines by following three steps:
1. Talk to their doctor
Talk to your child’s doctor about what vaccines your child still needs and which vaccines are required for school or childcare. If your child missed a dose or is missing a vaccine, you can still catch up!
See the required and recommended vaccines in California section below to find out what vaccines are required for childcare and school. Children 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine every year.
If your child does not have a regular doctor or insurance, a community clinic can help you. Find a clinic.
COVID vaccines are safe and effective. They are available to everyone ages 6 months and older, no matter your immigration or insurance status. Your child needs the updated COVID vaccine now available. It is the best protection against the types of COVID spreading now.
2. Make an appointment and keep it!
Make an appointment to get your child caught up on their vaccinations by calling their doctor’s office or a clinic near you. All Santa Clara County community clinics offer free or low-cost routine vaccinations for children.
If you do not have health insurance, you can enroll in Medi-Cal. If you need help enrolling, call (866) 967-4677 or drop in at 770 South Bascom Avenue, San Jose Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Community clinics have drop-in vaccination sites available for COVID vaccines. You don’t need an appointment! Find a drop-in clinic near you.
3. Keep a record of your child’s vaccines
Keep a list of vaccines your child receives. At their appointment, ask their doctor or nurse to write down which vaccine they receive and the date. Keep this list with their medical records for easy access.
You can also request a digital copy of your child’s vaccination record from the California Department of Public Health.
For more information, visit the Children’s Immunization page.
Required and recommended vaccines in California
Your child is required to have certain vaccines for child care and school. Other vaccines are highly recommended to give them the best protection. View vaccine schedules below.
For more information, visit our Immunizations page.
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Like their first soccer goal, vaccines are another part of growing up!
