Immunization Program

Do your kids need shots? 

Now is the time to make sure kid’s immunization records are up-to-date at school or daycare.  Sometimes children have received immunizations but the record on file with the school has not been updated.  For a list of required vaccines, see “For Parents” section below.

Scheduling an immunization appointment:  Contact your child’s healthcare provider, a School Based Health Center or the Deschutes County Immunization Clinic at (541) 322-7499.  Most local pharmacies also provide immunizations for children and adults 7 years and older.

School Based Health Center Contact Information:

• Bend:  Bend High SBHC  – Call  (541) 383-3005
• La Pine:   La Pine SBHC - (541) 536-0400
• Redmond:  Lynch SBHC or Redmond High SBHC - Call (541) 383-3005
• Sisters:  Sisters SBHC - (541) 526-6623

Immunization Recommendations

Immunizations are an excellent way to protect against many serious diseases. The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a series of immunizations to protect children and adults.

Vaccines for Young Children (Newborns through 6 years old):

• During the early years of life, children need vaccines to help protect them from diseases that can be very serious, even deadly.  Many of the diseases are especially difficult in young children and so it is important that they get early protection.
• You can find out what vaccines your children need here:  Childhood Immunization Schedule. 
• Annual flu vaccines are recommended for children 6 months and older. Children with chronic health problems are at high risk of serious complications from the flu.

Vaccines for Preteens and Teens (7 years old through 18 years old):

• Three vaccines are recommended specifically for preteens:  Adolescent Immunization Schedule 
  • HPV vaccine protects against HPV infections that can cause cancer later in life.  
  • Tdap is a booster shot to help protect preteens from whooping cough, tetanus, and diphtheria. 
  • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine protects against meningitis and bloodstream infections.  These illnesses can be very serious, even fatal. 
• All preteens and teens need a flu vaccine every year. 
• If your teen hasn’t gotten one or more of these vaccines, make an appointment for them so they can get caught up.

Vaccines for Adults:

Vaccines are needed throughout life. Adults need to keep their vaccinations up to date because immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time and risk for diseases changes with age. Vaccination is one of the most convenient and safest preventative care measures available.

All adults need an influenza vaccine every year and Td/Tdap vaccine.  You may need other vaccines based on your age, health conditions, job, lifestyle or travel plans. Talk to your healthcare professional about which vaccines are right for you or see the recommendations here: Adult Immunizations.

Pregnant Women:

Even before becoming pregnant, make sure you are up to date on all vaccines.  This will help protect you and your child from serious diseases.

Whooping cough can be very serious for babies.  In fact, about half of the babies that get whooping cough need treatment in the hospital.  Pregnant women should receive a whooping cough vaccine during EACH pregnancy. Your body will create protective antibodies and pass some of them to your baby before birth.  This will give your baby some short-term, early protection against whooping cough.

Get a flu shot if you are pregnant during flu season – it’s the best way to protect yourself and your baby from serious illness from flu.

For Parents: 

The State of Oregon requires vaccines for school and child care attendance in order to protect children and prevent the spread of disease. Click here for a list of required vaccinations.  

How well vaccinated is your childcare, school and county?  

School and Daycare Immunization Data – Interactive Map
 

For School and Daycare Operators:  Click here to access instructions and reporting forms. Please contact your Local Health Department’s Immunization Program for questions or help with the reporting process - (541) 322-7400. 

Vaccine Information

For more information about immunizations, including vaccine safety, please visit the following websites:

• Immunization Action Coalition
• CDC National Immunization Program
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center
• Additional resources for reliable vaccine information are listed here.