Immunizations – also known as vaccinations or shots - help save lives. Children and adults need shots to help keep them healthy. Our goal is to help Alameda County adults and children get all needed immunizations to protect them against diseases that can be prevented. We work with parents, physicians, clinics, schools, child cares, senior programs, the faith community and other agencies, as well as interested citizens. We are a member of the California Automated Immunization Registry (CAIR), an electronic medical record keeping system. For more information about CAIR: Email Registry@acgov.org

Program Eligibility:

Residents of Alameda County from birth to senior years may get information about vaccine preventable diseases and shots. We also provide referral to free and low cost clinics for children and adults. During flu season, we sponsor many Flu Clinics throughout the county.

Target Audience:

Infants and children ages birth to 18 years During flu season, adults ages 18 and older and seniors 60 and over

Useful Information and Services:

Q. What shots does my baby need? A. Babies should get most of their childhood shots by the time they are two years old, beginning at birth with the first Hepatitis B shot. After that, babies should get shots at ages 2, 4 and 6 months; between 12-15 months; at 2 years; and finally at 4-5 years before beginning kindergarten. See chart or this Instant Childhood Immunization Schedule. Q. Where can I go for the shots my child will need? A. There are many community and private doctors and clinics that can immunize your child. In addition Public Health offers several free clinics throughout the county. Alameda County Clinics & Community Health Centers Free clinics TB Screening Test Sites Travel Clinics Whooping Cough Tdap Clinic Schedule Q. How can I make my child more comfortable when getting immunized? A. Getting a shot can be uncomfortable or scary. Parents can take some simple steps to make their child as comfortable as possible before, during and after getting their shots. Click here for tips. Adults Persons 18 or older should consider the following: Pertussis & Tetanus. Adults need to get a booster for pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus (Tdap) Download Vaccine Information Sheet Seasonal flu. Most adults should get a flu shot each year. Download Vaccine Information Sheet for Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Download Vaccine Information Sheet for Live Intranasal Influenza Vaccine Hepatitis B. Healthcare and emergency workers, morticians, embalmers, military personnel are among the groups that should get this immunization to prevent exposure to Hepatitis B, a disease of the liver. Download Vaccine Information Sheet Shingles. A (Zoster) shot can protect against shingles, a painful localized skin rash often with blisters that is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV ), the same virus that causes chickenpox. This shot is recommended at age 60 Download Vaccine Information Sheet Pneumonia. At age 65 all adults should get a pneumococcal shot to prevent pneumonia. Download Vaccine Information Sheet HPV. Women up to age 26 should take the three-shot series for HPV (human papillomavirus) that protects against cervical cancer. Download Vaccine Information Sheet Pregnant Women Like most moms-to-be, you want to give your baby a healthy start in life. Shots (also called immunizations) are a safe way to protect you and your baby from some harmful diseases. Click on these links to learn more about recommended shots before, during and after your pregnancy. Guess Who Needs a Flu Shot? Immunizations for a Health Pregnancy Influenza (Flu) Seasonal Referrals to Clinics Public Health Clearinghouse Toll-free: 888-604-INFO (4636) Childcare & Schools Child Care & Schools Immunizations Materials Order Form Immunizations Requirements for Child Care – 2009 Recommended immunizations for persons age 0-6 years Recommended immunizations for persons ages 7-18 years Flu Materials Order form Germ Free zone Clinics offering Flu and Pneumococcal immunizations: In addition to the doctor or clinic you usually visit, there are many community resources for adult immunizations. Some will bill MediCare, Part B if the service is covered. Visiting Nurses Association Maxim Safeway Kaiser

Web Links:

Immunization Action Coalition: Vaccination Information for the Public Vaccination Information for Healthcare Professionals EZ-IZ: http://eziz.org/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Immunizations for Specific groups California Immunization Coalition: http://www.immunizeca.org/index.pacq?id=43&tier=2&CFID=304549&CFTOKEN=16810

Contact Information:

Alameda County Public Health Department Immunization Assistance Project 1000 Broadway, Suite 500 Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 267-3230 Questions about Immunization or Health Education: Email Immunize@acgov.org