Locating Immunization Records
Parents should keep track of their child's vaccination history. The only records that exist are the ones provided to parents when the vaccination is administered, and the ones in the medical record of the doctor and/or clinic where the vaccines are given. Sometimes schools hold the vaccination records for a year or two. New York State law requires that schools keep individual immunization records 6 years, or 3 years after the individual reaches age 18, whichever is longer.
Finding old immunization records can be especially difficult (or even impossible) for adults. To avoid having to hunt for old records and possibly repeating vaccinations that cannot be documented, patients should make sure that all immunization providers give them a written record of their vaccines. If a patient's immunization record has been lost, there are tips he/she can use for locating the records. Learn more:
- FAQs on Immunization Records for Children - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Tips for Finding Old Immunization Records for Adults - Immunization Action Cooalition
Today an increasing number of physicians and parents are also taking advantage of electronic immunization registries to keep track of their children's shots. Learn more:
- NYSIIS (New York State Immunization Information System)
- Immunization Information Systems (IIS) - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
