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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 person’s immune system and provide protection before exposure to potentially life-threatening diseases. Certain vaccines are recommended at different ages for two primary reasons:
Click here for the 2024 recommended vaccines for children 7 years of age through 18. Vaccines are safe and effective and side effects are minor. For example, a sore arm or low-grade fever that goes away within a few days.
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.
| Students admitted at transitional kindergarten and grades K-12 need: | |
|---|---|
| Vaccine Type | Dosage Information |
| Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, Tdap, or Td) | 5 doses (4 doses OK if one was given on or after 5th birthday. 3 doses OK if one was given on or after 7th birthday.) *For 7th-12th graders, at least 1 dose of pertussis-containing vaccine is required on or after 7th birthday. |
| Polio (OPV or IPV) | 4 doses (3 doses OK if one was given on or after 4th birthday) |
| Hepatitis B | 3 doses (not required for 7th grade entry) |
| Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) | 2 doses (both given on or after 1st birthday) |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | 2 doses |
| Students starting 7th grade need: | |
| Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) | 1 dose (whooping cough booster usually given at 11 years and up) |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | 2 doses (usually given at ages 12 months and 4-6 years) |
Colleges and Universities have immunization requirements, which may vary by state and academic institution. Visit the resources below to learn more about California University requirements or visit CDC's SchoolVaxView for other state requirements.
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 up to date and in a safe place. Without documentation, 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.
There are a few places where you can find your child's immunization record:
For more information, visit the CDC Keeping Track of Records webpage.
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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.
