Memo: 2026 Annual Child Care Immunization Report

Download the 2026 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo (PDF)

The purpose of this memo is to notify child care operators/Head Start directors and Pre-K classrooms of the 2026 annual immunization reporting requirements.

North Carolina immunization law requires all schools providing Pre-K and all licensed childcare facilities (as defined in G.S. 110-86(3)) to file an annual immunization report on children aged newborn through preschool (G.S. 130A155(c)).

This report is used to determine the number of children who meet state immunization requirements under 10A NCAC 41A.0401, ensuring that children in attendance at your childcare facility are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.

How to Submit your Report

• The reporting portal is now open, and reports may be completed at any time prior to the due date but must be submitted electronically via this link.
• Instructions and worksheets are available for download via the above link and may be used to collect data needed before entering your individual school information online.
• Only one current report will be accepted per childcare facility, per report period.
• All reports must be submitted electronically by midnight, November 15, 2026.
• Reports will not be accepted after this date.
• If your facility has no children enrolled or is closed, you are still required to submit a report. This ensures your facility is counted and not considered delinquent or missing.
• For NC Pre-K and Head Start programs, include all children who attend full-time.
• Do not include children already reported on the Annual Kindergarten Immunization Report.

Please do not report on: 

• Children born on or after October 1, 2026,
• Children who only attend before and/or after school, or
• Children who are enrolled in elementary school full-time.

Annual Reporting Webinar October 14, 2026 at 1pm

The North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) will host a webinar on October 14, 2026 at 1pm ET to provide instructions on completing the report, information on immunization requirements, and a forum to answer any questions regarding immunization reporting.

Register here in advance to attend. If you are unable to join the webinar on a computer, you can dial in at +1 669 254 5252.  Meeting ID: 165 958 7623 Passcode: 775814

Tips for Success

Download the age worksheets linked on the first page of the online report and complete them before proceeding with the rest of the report.

• Complete the report as soon as possible.
• Full Report URL: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8892386/2026-27Childcare  
• If you have additional questions about this report or are not able to access the internet to complete the report, email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call the Helpdesk at 1(877)-873-6247.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is this report required?
A: Childcare facilities are required by law [G.S. 130A-155(c)] to submit the requested information annually. It is also a licensing requirement. If a vaccine-preventable disease outbreak occurs, this report will help identify children who are most at risk for contracting the disease. You may be contacted if this report is not received or is submitted after the Saturday, November 15, 2026, deadline.

Q: What happens if a parent/guardian does not submit their child’s immunization records within 30 days of attendance?
A: The child should not be permitted to attend childcare until the required immunizations have been obtained. [G.S. 130A-155(a)].

Q: Do I need to get a new immunization record from all parents?
A: The childcare facility should confirm with the parent they have an up-to-date immunization record on file within 30 days of their first attendance.

Thank you for your support of children’s health and childhood immunizations. If you have questions about the immunization reporting process, please contact us at Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov. 

In Health,

NC Department of Health and Human Services