Immunization Branch
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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions Answered On This Page:

1. Where can I get a copy of my child's shot record?
2. Where can I get a copy of my own shot record?
3. Where can I take my child to get vaccinations (either at a lower cost or free)?
4. When should my child get their immunizations and what immunizations do they need to have?
5. Where can I find information on what immunizations are needed for overseas travel?
6. Where can I find information about Tuberculosis (TB)?
7. Where can I find information about Bioterrorism?
8. Where can I find more information on Smallpox?
9. Is there a vaccine I can get for me and my family for smallpox or anthrax?

1. Where can I get a copy of my child's shot record?

If you have consented for your child's immunization records to be sent to ImmTrac, the Texas Immunization Registry, call 800.252.9152 or your local health department to get a copy of your child's record.

If you did not give consent, you will have to contact either your private physician or the local city/county health clinic where your child received the immunizations.

Immunization records are NOT available to view online by parents/legal guardian.

2. Where can I get a copy of my own shot record?

The only immunization records that are kept by the Texas Department of State Health Services are for children ages 0-18 and whose parents and/or legal guardian consented to have the immunization recorded entered into the ImmTrac, the Texas Immunization Registry database. If you are an adult, you will need to contact the local city/county health department or physician's office where your shots were received. 

3. Where can I take my child to get vaccinations (either at a lower cost or free)?

You can check with your city and/or county health department for information on where you can take your child to get immunizations, or you can call 2-1-1 Texas.  2-1-1 Texas is a three digit toll free number that provides information on health and social services for your area.  You may also call us toll free at: 1.800.252.9152 or email.  Please, provide your zip code, as well as the city, in your email and we'll give you the closest clinics in your area.

4. When should my child get their immunizations and what immunizations do they need to have?

Every year the Recommended Immunization Schedule is distributed. You can view the chart for the Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule.

You can also read important information by visiting the Vaccination Information Statements chart and clicking on the type of vaccine (English and Spanish).

5. Where can I find information on what immunizations are needed for overseas travel?

If you need to receive the yellow fever vaccine for overseas travel, you can view the authorized yellow fever vaccine provider list.

All other questions relating to immunizations for foreign travel should be directed to:

Infectious Disease Control Unit

Phone: 512.458.7676, or refer to the

CDC Travel Information web page.

6. Where can I find information about Tuberculosis (TB)?

You can find more information about TB on the DSHS Tuberculosis Elimination Program website.

7. Where can I find information about Bioterrorism?

Anyone with questions about Bioterrorism can find more information at the Texas Department of State Health's Public Health Preparedness website.

8. Where can I find more information on Smallpox?

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has a website that is exclusively broken down in categories for the general public and health care professionals.

9. Is there a vaccine I can get for me and my family for smallpox or anthrax?

Smallpox vaccinations were discontinued in the 1980s after the disease was eradicated, and no vaccine is currently available to the public. Some vaccine is kept by the federal government to be sent to affected areas if an outbreak occurs.

No anthrax vaccine is available for the general public. Anthrax is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics. As soon as an anthrax outbreak is detected, these antibiotics can be distributed to those exposed in time to prevent disease.

Read Texas Department of Health Maintaining System Readiness for Any Bioterrorist Act for more information

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Last Updated September 22, 2006