Your immunization records show all the vaccines you've received to protect you from serious diseases. These records are your official vaccination history and proof of immunity.

Having accurate vaccination records helps ensure you get needed vaccines, avoid unnecessary ones, and meet requirements for school, work, or travel.

Note: Only your healthcare providers can add or update immunization records to ensure medical accuracy.

 

What's in Your Vaccination Records

Basic information:

  • Vaccine name - What vaccine you received
  • Date given - When you got the vaccine
  • Status - Completed, not given, or entered in error
  • Where given - Which clinic, pharmacy, or location
  • Who gave it - Healthcare provider who administered it

Vaccine details:

  • Lot number - Batch number for safety tracking
  • Manufacturer - Company that made the vaccine
  • Body site - Where on your body it was given
  • Dose amount - How much vaccine you received

Series tracking:

  • Dose number - Which dose in a series (1st, 2nd, etc.)
  • Series completion - Whether you need more doses
  • Next dose due - When you need your next shot

 

Understanding Vaccination Status

Status types:

  • Completed - You received the vaccine successfully
  • Not done - Vaccine wasn't given for a specific reason
  • Entered in error - Record was created by mistake

Common reasons vaccines aren't given:

  • Medical reasons (allergies, illness)
  • Patient or parent refusal
  • Vaccine not available
  • Already immune from previous illness
  • Wrong age or timing

 

Vaccination Series

Many vaccines need multiple doses over time for full protection:

  • Hepatitis B - Usually 3 doses over 6 months
  • HPV - 2-3 doses depending on age
  • COVID-19 - Initial series plus boosters
  • Tetanus - Boosters every 10 years

Your records track:

  • Which dose you received (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
  • How many total doses you need
  • When your next dose is due
  • Whether your series is complete

 

How to Use Your Vaccination Information

Stay up to date:

  • Check which vaccines you've received
  • See if you need any boosters
  • Complete any unfinished vaccine series
  • Get annual vaccines like flu shots

For school, work, or travel:

  • Provide vaccination records for enrollment or employment
  • Check travel vaccine requirements
  • Show proof of immunity when needed

Questions to ask your healthcare provider:

  • "Am I up to date on all my vaccines?"
  • "Do I need any booster shots?"
  • "What vaccines do I need for travel to [country]?"
  • "When is my next dose due?"
  • "Are there vaccines I should get based on my health?"

Remember: Your vaccination records help protect your health and meet requirements for school, work, and travel.