Children begin receiving immunizations in infancy to protect them from contracting dangerous childhood diseases. Health care professionals recommend that children receive about 30 vaccination doses by the time they are 2 years of age, with some immunizations continue through the teen years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Childhood immunization records are an important part of a person's health records and are likely to be referred to several times throughout your child's life for medical and non-medical purposes. Maintaining childhood immunization records requires keeping all related information in one place for quick reference.
Importance of Records
Administrators at child care and education institutions are required to confirm childhood immunizations for all children. Children who are not immunized against common childhood diseases may contract and spread those diseases. Each time your child changes medical providers, the physician will request immunization records to provide appropriate care and avoid duplication of immunizations. In the event your child becomes ill, access to childhood immunization records can help doctors evaluate the cause. Maintaining a complete record of immunizations saves time and ensures accuracy by preventing the need to track down the information in pieces each time it is needed.
Content
Immunization records kept by parents and medical providers differ. The records of medical providers include information about the manufacturing of the vaccine, medical terms and acronyms, according to the Immunization Action Coalition. The record you keep of your child's immunization probably includes the immunization date, the vaccine and doses, medical provider, the name of person who administered the vaccine and a note about your child's reaction. Your records are formatted in a chart or schedule since children receive immunizations at recommended times and in recommended doses.
Primary Responsibility
Parents have the primary responsibility for keeping childhood immunization records, according to the Immunization Action Coalition. The records might exist in bits and pieces in various places; however, parents and caregivers are the only parties with a vested interest in maintaining a complete record of immunizations for a child. Medical professionals and others who have official reasons to request immunization records expect that you have those records or that you can authorize access to the records.
Record Locations
The same places that ask for copies of immunization records are good sources if you need to locate those records, although most organizations do not keep records indefinitely. Local public health departments might have information in immunization records. The child's doctors, day care providers, schools attended and colleges might have the records. A person who served in the military might locate immunization records in their service records.
Immunization Registries
Most states have or are developing voluntary immunization registries. Physicians sign up to use the Immunization Information System, which enters your child's immunization information into a computer database and is used to adhere to immunization schedules and maintain immunization records. The information collected by the system is confidential and includes name, birth information, sex, parent information and immunization information. Parents may enroll a child for participation at no charge or they may contact their state registry to opt out of participation. Parents may also contact the registries to learn if their child's physician participates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides on its website links to contacts for state immunization registries.
