An immunization history statement is an official record of the vaccines your child has received. It shows whether your child is up to date with their immunizations and lists the doses they have had. In many places, you are asked to provide this record when you enroll your child in childcare, kindergarten or school.
Why a record is needed#
Keeping an up-to-date record of your child’s vaccinations is one of the best ways to check that they are protected. Schools and early childhood services often keep a copy of the record on file so they know whether each child has been immunized.
This information helps keep children safe. If there is a disease outbreak, children who have not been immunized can be quickly identified and, if necessary, kept away from the service until the risk of infection has passed.
A vaccination record is also a good opportunity to “catch up” on any missed doses. Reviewing it lets you check whether your child is up to date and arrange any vaccines they still need.
When a record is needed for enrollment#
Depending on local rules, you may be asked to provide your child’s vaccination record when you enroll in:
- childcare and other early childhood education and care services
- kindergarten or preschool
- primary or elementary school
In some areas, a record showing the child is up to date is required to enroll in childcare or kindergarten. If your child receives further vaccines after enrolling, give the service an updated record. For school enrollment, a record may still be required even if it shows that some vaccinations are overdue. A child whose record shows they are not up to date can usually still enroll and attend school, but the school and health authorities need to know each child’s immunization status.
If your child has not been fully vaccinated, for any reason, they will still need a vaccination record to enroll. The record will simply show that some doses are overdue.
Homeopathic “immunization” is not a recognized form of immunization and cannot be listed on an official vaccination record.
Vaccines on the record#
Childhood immunization programs typically protect against a range of diseases. These may include measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough (pertussis), diphtheria, tetanus, Hemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, chickenpox (varicella), pneumococcal disease and polio. Your child should ideally have received the recommended vaccines for their age before starting school.
The vaccines a person needs depend on their health, age, lifestyle and occupation. Your doctor or immunization provider can advise which vaccines are recommended for your child and help you catch up on any that are missing.
How to get and use the record#
Your doctor, local health service or immunization provider can give you a copy of your child’s vaccination record. Check the record carefully, and if you think any vaccinations are missing or recorded incorrectly, contact your immunization provider. Keep your contact and personal details up to date with your provider so your record stays accurate.
When you enroll your child, give the staff a copy of the record for them to keep on file, ideally early in the enrollment process. If you need help with translation, ask your provider whether an interpreting service is available.
Key points#
- An immunization history statement is an official record of the vaccines your child has received.
- It is often required when enrolling in childcare, kindergarten or school.
- The record helps keep children safe by showing who is protected, especially during an outbreak.
- Reviewing the record is a good chance to catch up on any missed doses.
- Your doctor or immunization provider can give you a copy and help keep it accurate.
Where to get help#
Sources & further reading
For evidence-based global guidance on this topic, consult authoritative public-health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, NHS, and ECDC.