CDC recommends all children receive immunizations according to the recommended immunization schedule to protect them from 14 preventable diseases. In North Carolina, children are not allowed to attend school unless they have received all immunizations appropriate for their age. Vaccination records are checked when they enter kindergarten, seventh and twelfth grade.
Rising 7th and 12th graders are required to receive a booster dose of Meningitis vaccine and It is recommended that all children receive an annual flu vaccine.
You can receive immunizations at your doctor’s office or local health department. If your child is insured, your insurance provider may cover the cost of vaccines and their administration. Contact your health care provider to find out how much the vaccines will cost. If you are uninsured, contact your local department of social services agency to find out if you qualify for assistance. If your child is 18 years of age or younger, and meets one of the following qualifications, he or she is eligible to receive the vaccines from the state at no cost:
- Is eligible for Medicaid
- Has no health insurance
- Is Native American or Alaskan Native, or
- Has health insurance but it does not cover the cost of the vaccine