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How to get your child’s immunization records

Where official shot records live, from the pediatrician to your state’s registry and the school nurse, plus what to do after a move.

By the Mapa team · Updated

Short answer

Start with your child’s pediatrician: ask for an official copy, or check whether the patient portal lets you print one. If shots came from several places, your state’s immunization information system (IIS) may hold them all. The CDC doesn’t keep vaccination records, but it lists how to reach each state’s IIS.

Why schools ask for it

CDC notes that without vaccination records, a child might not be allowed to attend school, play sports or travel abroad. School and child care requirements differ by state, so your school system is the place to ask what yours needs.

The record comes up again for camps and sports teams and, later, for college and some jobs.

Where to get an official copy

WhereHow to askGood to know
Pediatrician or clinicCheck the patient portal, or call the front deskClinics may keep records for only a few years. If shots came from several places, ask each one.
Your state’s IISFind your state on CDC’s IIS contacts pageSome records aren’t complete. Ask the IIS in the state where your child had their last shots.
The school nurseAsk the nurse or the front officeMost schools keep records on file, sometimes for 1 or 2 years after a student leaves.
A pharmacyAsk the pharmacy that gave the shotSome pharmacies report to the state IIS, as in Washington.

Step by step

  1. Log in to your pediatrician’s patient portal and look for an immunization record or history you can download or print.
  2. If it isn’t there, call the office and ask for an official copy for school.
  3. If your child had shots in more than 1 place, or you’ve changed doctors, contact your state’s IIS. CDC’s “Contacts for IIS Immunization Records” page lists a phone number and website for each state.
  4. Some states let families look up records online. Washington’s MyIR Mobile, for example, lets families view and print their immunization information, including the Certificate of Immunization Status.
  5. Ask the school nurse which form they need, and whether they already have a copy on file.
  6. Save a copy for yourself, named so anyone can find it.

The certificate schools ask for

Some states have their own school form. Florida requires Form DH 680, the Florida Certification of Immunization, completed by a licensed Florida physician, advanced practice registered nurse or county health department. Washington uses the Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS).

A printout from a patient portal may not be the form your school accepts. Ask the school nurse for the name of your state’s form and who can fill it out.

After a move to a new state

Florida’s Department of Health gives advice that works anywhere: get a copy of your child’s complete immunization history before you leave the old state. The new doctor can enter it into the new state’s registry and complete the new state’s school form.

Already moved? Contact the IIS in the state where your child had their last shots, or call the old pediatrician. Then ask the new doctor’s office to complete your new state’s form before school starts.

What to say when you call

Copy this script

Hi, I’m calling for Leo Rivera. His date of birth is Mar 14, 2019. I need an official copy of his immunization record for school. Can you send it through the portal or by email? And can you complete the school form our state uses?

What to keep a copy of

  • The official immunization record or history printout.
  • Your state’s school form once it’s completed, like Florida’s DH 680 or Washington’s CIS.
  • Old records from a previous state or country.
  • The name and phone number of each clinic or pharmacy that gave shots. CDC suggests writing this down so you know where to get official records later.

How to name the files

Copy this format

Leo – immunization record – official – 2026-08-14.pdf Leo – Florida DH 680 – 2026-08-20.pdf Leo – shot record – Ohio – 2024-05-02.jpg

Questions to ask the school nurse

  • “Which form do you need, and who can sign it?”
  • “Do you already have a copy on file?”
  • “Can I upload it, or does it need to be paper?”
  • “When is it due?”

Questions parents ask

Does the CDC have my child’s vaccination records?

No. CDC says it does not keep vaccination records. Contact your child’s doctor or your state’s immunization information system (IIS), which CDC lists by state.

How do I find my state’s immunization registry?

CDC’s “Contacts for IIS Immunization Records” page lists each state’s IIS with a phone number and website. Contact the state where your child had their last shots.

What if I can’t find my child’s shot records anywhere?

Ask each doctor, clinic or pharmacy that gave shots, then your state’s IIS and your child’s current or last school. If nothing turns up, talk to your child’s doctor about next steps.

Is a photo of the vaccine card enough for school?

It depends on your state and school. Florida, for example, requires Form DH 680 from a licensed Florida provider or county health department. Ask the school nurse which document they accept.

What do I do with records from another state?

Bring the full history to your new doctor, who can enter it into your new state’s registry and complete the school form. Keep a copy of the old records too.

Sources