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NC Department of Health and Human Services
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North Carolina Immunization Branch

Child Care Facilities

North Carolina law requires all children in the state to receive certain immunizations. Records are checked when children enter school or childcare.

In response to Hurricane Helene, Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 319, which allowed for an extension for immunization and reporting deadlines. Read the details in the State Health Director’s Memo. Starting November 1, 2024, children will have a 30-day grace period to show compliance with immunization requirements. The new deadline for Annual Immunization Reports is January 15, 2025.

Annual Immunization Reports for the 2024-25 school year are now open and can be completed HERE.

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. You will be contacted if the report is not received on time.

In the case of an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease, this report will also help identify the children who are most at-risk for contracting the disease.

Q. Our childcare facility doesn't have Internet access. May we send our report via standard mail?

A. If you do not have internet access, and are unable to complete your report online, please call the North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) at 877-873-6247.

Q: What happens if a parent does not submit their child’s immunization records within 30 days of attendance?  
A: The child should be excluded from attending childcare until their records are submitted.

Q: What happens if the child is not legally up to date for their age?
A: If the child does not have the required number of shots for their age, the parents need to be informed, and the child should be excluded per public health law [G.S. 130A-155(a)].

Q: Do I need to get a new immunization records from all my parents?
A: The North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) recommends confirming with the parent that you have the most updated record on file.

Q: How can I find out if a child is up to date with their immunizations?
A: CDC has an Instant Childhood Immunization Scheduler. Please click this link to view.