Children's Vaccinations

Shasta County Public Health's goal is to ensure all children are vaccinated to protect their health. Vaccine-preventable diseases are still a very real threat to our children and immunizing them is the best way to keep them safe and healthy. We encourage parents to vaccinate their children.

UPDATES:

1.   COVID-19 vaccines  at the Shasta County Public Health Immunization Clinic are currently available for our Vaccine for Children (VFC) clients only.  Learn more about the eligibility for the VFC program at the FAQ below.**

2. **NEW UPDATE: Recent reports of measles cases around the country remind us about the importance of vaccination, which provides protection against serious illness.  Learn more at CDC: Measles Cases and Outbreaks  **

• Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles starts with a cough, runny nose, red eyes, and fever. Then a rash of red spots breaks out. 

• Make​ sure you and your children are up to date on the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine and other recommended vaccines, including flu and COVID-19.

• Talk to a health care provider and learn more: CDPH Immunization Branch Page

Childhood Vaccination Location Finder

Please check with your primary healthcare provider for vaccine availability. If you need to find vaccines elsewhere,  please  click the slider  in the map below to search for other vaccine providers by zip code/city.

***Please call to make an appointment and verify vaccine availability at a given location.***

Frequently Asked Questions

What vaccines does my child need?

• Use the personalized Childhood Vaccine Assessment Tool or see the supporting documents below.

• Check with your child's healthcare provider about what vaccines your children need. Talk to your provider about recommended childhood and adolescent vaccines, including getting the COVID-19 vaccine whenever possible and flu vaccine every year.

When should my child get the MMR vaccine?

• Children are recommended to get their MMR vaccine during 12-15 months (1st dose) and 4-6 years old (2nd dose).

• Children are routinely recommended to get the vaccine at those ages, but if they didn’t, they can still get vaccinated.

• Teens are also recommended to receive both doses to be up to date with their MMR vaccinations.

• Learn more at CDC: Vaccine (Shot) for Measles (Spanish page available on CDC)  & CDC: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know

When do older children and teens need vaccinations?

• Visit the Recommended Vaccinations for Children (7-18 Years Old) or see the supporting documents below.

Why is the Human Papillomavirus(HPV) vaccine  important for my child to get?

• ACIP and CDC recommendations state that HPV vaccination can start as early as age 9 which can offer more time for completion of the series by the age of 13. 

• HPV vaccination is cancer prevention and helps protect against six types of cancer.

• HPV vaccination can prevent more than 90% of HPV cancers when given at the 
  recommended ages.

• More than 75% of US parents have chosen to protect their children from HPV 
  cancer with the HPV vaccine.

• Learn more at these pages: CDC: HPV Vaccine and St. Jude: Path to a Bright Future HPV Vaccination Campaign.

What if I can't afford vaccines or my insurance doesn't cover them?

• The California Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program  provides vaccines for eligible children at no cost. See the description of each provider on the map to verify if they are a VFC provider in your area. Underinsured children are eligible to receive VFC vaccine only through a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), or a Rural Health Clinic (RHC) under an approved deputization agreement.

• Please refer to these pages for more information:  Vaccinate Your Family: How Will I Pay for My Family’s Vaccinations and Vaccinate Your Family: ¿Cómo Voy a Pagar por las Vacunas de mi Familia?.  

Where can my child get vaccinated?

• Please check with your primary care provider for vaccine availability.

• Visit our public health clinic during vaccination hours for free or low-cost vaccines. See our immunization clinic fees and prices for private insured clients.

• Uninsured or no preventive care insurance?  The Child Health and Disability Program (CHDP) provides free children’s health exams and immunizations. Call to find out if you qualify: (530) 225-5122 or (800) 300-5122. 

• For families with health insurance, all or most of the cost of vaccines is usually covered under current state or federal laws. As insurance may vary, ask your health plan or your provider's office if there are any fees for vaccination. Local pharmacies often offer immunizations for older children and adults (but not for infants). Check with the pharmacy and your insurance company about the cost.

• For families that do not have health insurance, find out if your child is eligible for Vaccines for Children (VFC) or Medi-Cal.  Local pharmacies also offer immunizations for older children and adults (but not for infants), but the cost is typically higher than the locations mentioned above. Check with the pharmacy about the cost.

• Please visit My Turn to book your child's free COVID-19 vaccine or testing appointment.

What are the required vaccines for child care, TK/K-12 and 7th grade? Why does my child need them?

• States and local areas put school vaccination requirements in place to minimize the risk from vaccine-preventable diseases. 

• Parent-friendly resources for parents about which vaccines are required for child care, TK/K-12 and 7th grade, please visit here.

• Please see the supporting documents below for more information.

• Beginning January 1, 2021 all new medical exemptions for school and child care entry must be issued through CAIR-ME. Medical exemptions can only be issued by MDs or DOs licensed in California and must meet applicable Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) criteria. 

• Parents can create an account in CAIR-ME and apply for an exemption. They will then receive an exemption application number to give to their child’s physician, which will then be reviewed by a state panel.

• Learn more about Personal Beliefs FAQ's here.

• Learn more about Medical Exemption FAQ's here.