In North Carolina, all children must receive the CDC-recommended immunizations before enrolling in school or child care. This applies to children attending public, private or religious schools.
If you have questions about which vaccines you or your family members may need, talk with your health care provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
In North Carolina, immunization records are checked at the following times:
North Carolina law provides for two types of exemptions from required immunizations. They are medical and religious. Learn more about these exemptions, and the process for requesting an exemption for your children.
- Obtain the Certificate of Immunization: A physician, health clinic, or local health department must provide a certificate of immunization to the person bringing the child for immunization.
- Submit to School: Once you have the certificate, provide a copy to your child’s school to show proof of vaccination.
Questions? Call your child’s school nurse if you have questions about showing proof of immunizations. Here are some tips on locating and keeping track of your children’s immunization record.
Follow the CDC's recommended immunization schedules:
- CDC's recommended immunization schedule for infants and children (birth to 6 years)
- CDC's recommended immunization schedules for preteens and teens (ages 7 to 18 years)
NC school and child care immunization requirements
Concerned that your child may be behind on immunizations? Review CDC’s immunization catch up schedule.
Contact your health care provider if you have any questions about immunizations your child may need.
Yes. Vaccines are very safe. The United States’ long-standing vaccine safety system ensures that vaccines are as safe as possible. Currently, the United States has the safest vaccine supply in its history. Millions of children safely receive vaccines each year. The most common side effects are typically very mild, such as pain or swelling at the injection site.
Yes, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also recommends the following vaccines: Hepatitis A, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19. These vaccines are not required by North Carolina law but are strongly recommended for children and/or adolescents. For more information about these vaccines, talk to your doctor.
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 your child is 18 or younger and meets one of the following qualifications, they are eligible to get 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
Your child may be eligible for Health Check/Medicaid or N.C. Health Choice, which is a free or low-cost health insurance for children and teens under 19 years of age (up to 21 in some cases). Both Health Check and N.C. Health Choice offer an extensive package of benefits.
If you are uninsured, contact your local department of social services agency to find out if you qualify.
This page was last modified on 03/04/2025