Your guide to back-to-school immunizations

The COVID-19 pandemic put a lot of families behind on routine medical appointments — including vaccines for kids. However, staying up to date on these shots helps keep children, school staff and the community safe from potential outbreaks of serious disease.

Unvaccinated children are more likely to catch and spread highly contagious illnesses such as whooping cough (also called pertussis), measles and polio.

Wondering if your child is overdue for routine vaccinations? Below we answer common questions, including how to address fear about getting shots.

What vaccinations does my child need for school?

Between birth and 18 months, children receive a primary series of several vaccinations, with additional doses at ages 4 to 5 as well as 11 to 12.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) requires children to receive certain vaccinations before they can enter school, preschool or day care.

For example, by the time children enter kindergarten, required vaccinations include:

• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP)
• Chickenpox (also known as varicella)
• Hepatitis B

In addition to the vaccines listed above, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.

Learn more about required immunizations to enter school in this Washington State Department of Health chart. Immunizations the DOH requires for children entering child care programs can be found here.

For more detailed information about recommended vaccinations for children and teens, please visit the CDC’s Immunization Schedules.

What vaccinations should older children receive?

When children are 11 to 12 years old, the CDC recommends the following vaccines:

• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis booster (Tdap)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Meningitis (Meningococcal)
• Annual flu vaccine
• Any shots they have missed or did not receive as babies, such as Hepatitis A

At 16 years of age, the CDC recommends a booster of the meningitis vaccine.

What about COVID-19 vaccines?

COVID-19 vaccines are available for children as young as 6 months old and booster shots are available for children 5 and older.

The DOH does not require COVID-19 vaccines for children to attend school or child care. However, the vaccines are effective at reducing the spread of COVID-19 as well as serious health complications that the virus can cause. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens by visiting the CDC website.

What if my child is afraid of getting shots?

Most people, including adults, don’t like getting shots. It’s usually best when parents are straightforward with their children about what’s going to happen and provide emotional support while shots are being given.

Emotional support can include remaining calm yourself, holding your child’s hand, looking them in the eye, letting them know the shot may hurt a little for a short time but is important for keeping them healthy. If you tell your child they are brave, they are likely to believe it too.

It may be comforting for children to bring a stuffed animal or favorite toy to the appointment. Scheduling a fun activity afterward, such as a trip to the park or lunch at a favorite restaurant, can give them something to look forward to.

Never discuss shots as a punishment for misbehaving or lie to children about getting shots.

How do I get my child’s immunization records?

At MultiCare, parents can access immunization records by logging into MyChart, where they can also opt to receive automatic text reminders about when vaccinations are due. Parents receive a printout of their child’s vaccination records each time they receive their shots.

Options for accessing immunization records outside of MultiCare include:

• Contacting your child’s physician or clinic
• Signing up for MyIR, an online portal used by the DOH that allows you to view and download this information
• Contacting the Office of Immunization and Child Profile at 360-236-3595 or 866-397-0337; or via email at [email protected]

If you’re having trouble locating old immunization records, the DOH offers these tips. It’s a good idea to always keep a copy of your immunization records on file at home.

Where can I get my child’s vaccinations?

Your child’s pediatrician can provide all back-to-school vaccines. At MultiCare, we offer vaccines at our primary care clinics and at many Mary Bridge Children’s locations. 

Mary Bridge Children’s also partners with the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department to provide free vaccines for children. Learn more by visiting the Mary Bridge Children’s Immunization Clinic.