Immunization Program
The Alameda County Public Health Department’s Immunization Program is dedicated to improving our community‘s knowledge of and access to vaccinations that keep us all safe from dangerous diseases. We provide information about vaccine recommendations for people of all ages and school and child care requirements and offer support to schools and child care providers, medical providers, and community outreach organizations.
COVID-19 Update
The COVID-19 pandemic is changing constantly and requires different strategies to maintain clinical preventive services, including immunization. Find up-to-date guidance on childhood, adult, and maternal vaccination and clinical practice.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s very important for everyone 6 months of age and older to get their influenza shot this year. Everyone especially infants and toddlers continue to receive their immunizations on time and maintain their immunization schedule to decrease the risk of getting sick from diseases that are preventable with vaccines. Immunization requirements for admission to school or child care for 2022-2023 school year remain in place. Please go to ShotsforSchool for the most up to date information.
Resource Page for Medical Professionals:
Where to get Immunized?
The best place to get immunized is at your doctor’s office so they can maintain your immunization history. If you have health insurance, (such as Medi-Cal, Alameda Alliance, Kaiser, Blue Shield, Blue Cross, United Health Care, etc.), call your doctor’s office in advance about availabilities, they often have same day appointments. At your doctor’s office, immunizations will be free because they will likely be covered by your insurance.
If you do not have a regular doctor’s office, immunizations are available at most pharmacy chains or local pharmacies. Call your nearest pharmacy to determine cost and insurance coverage. There are limited free or low cost immunization clinics within Alameda County. It is always a good idea to call in advance to ensure that the vaccine you are seeking is available. Back to School clinics usually take place right before the start of the school year so that children meet school requirements.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant women receive the whooping cough vaccine for adolescents and adults (called Tdap vaccine) during the third trimester of each pregnancy. For more information about which pharmacies offer Tdap to pregnant women please see Alameda County Pharmacy Directory.
Excellent Vaccination Rates for Alameda County Child Care Facilities!
Each year in California, child care facilities report their students’ vaccination rates for required vaccines to the state. The most recent annual child care report from the California Department of Public Health shows that 95.8% of California child care facilities reported they have received all required vaccines.