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Vaccine Preventable Disease Control
County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program
3530 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 700
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Phone: (213) 351-7800
Email: ip@ph.lacounty.gov
Vaccines strengthen a child’s immune system and provide protection before a child is exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Certain vaccines are recommended at different ages for two primary reasons:
Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages. Talk with your child's healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns.
Click here for the 2024 recommended vaccines for infants and children from birth through 6 years.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) develops recommendations for U.S. immunizations based on extensive research and evidence. The recommendations include ages when vaccines should be given, number of doses, time between doses, and precautions and contraindications. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends on-time routine immunization of all children and adolescents according to the recommended schedule.
| Children in Pre-Kindergarten (Child Care) need: | |
|---|---|
| Age when admitted | Number of doses required of each immunization |
| 2 through 3 months | 1 Polio, 1 DTaP, 1 Hep B, 1 Hib |
| 4 through 5 months | 2 Polio, 2 DTaP, 2 Hep B, 2 Hib |
| 6 through 14 months | 2 Polio, 3 DTaP, 2 Hep B, 2 Hib |
| 15 through 17 months | 3 Polio, 3 DTaP, 2 Hep B, 1 Varicella On or after 1st birthday: 1 Hib*, 1 MMR |
| 18 months through 5 years | 3 Polio, 4 DTaP, 3 Hep B, 1 Varicella On or after 1st birthday: 1 Hib*, 1 MMR |
*One Hib dose must be given on or after the 1st birthday regardless of previous doses. Required only for children younger than 5 years old.
DTaP=diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine
Hib=Haemophilus influenzae, type B vaccine
Hep B=hepatitis B vaccine
MMR=measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine
Varicella=chickenpox vaccine
There are many places where your child or teen can get vaccinated. Most insurance policies cover recommended vaccines and there are resources available to help cover the cost if you are uninsured.
If you have insurance:
If you don't have insurance or are underinsured:
For a list of free and low-cost vaccine clinic locations in Los Angeles County, click here.
To locate COVID-19, Flu, and Mpox vaccines, visit ph.lacounty.gov/vaccines.
If you are using a mobile device, click here to access the vaccine finder tool.
It is important to keep your child’s vaccination records (the history of which vaccines they received) up to date and in a safe place. Without them, your child might not be allowed to attend school, play sports, or travel abroad. Your child may need their vaccination records later as adults for certain occupations.
If you are unable to locate your child's vaccination records, there are a few places where you can find them:
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Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.
