Common questions

For the 2026-27 school year, DC checks students entering Pre-K3, kindergarten, 7th grade and 11th grade. Every student must still be up to date.

Students must be fully vaccinated by December 7, 2026. After that, schools can keep a student out of class until the shots are done.

DC schools ask for the Universal Health Certificate and the Oral Health Assessment every year, along with the shot record. Your child's doctor fills them out.

DC allows medical and religious exemptions. Each one has its own form. Ask your school nurse or call DC Health for the right one.

Often, yes. Children 18 and under who have no insurance, have Medicaid, or are American Indian or Alaska Native can get shots for free through the Vaccines for Children program at clinics that take part.

Most clinics on DC Health's list take Medicaid for children's shots. Each clinic card says "Takes Medicaid" when the list confirms it. Use the Medicaid filter on the Find page.

Yes. Every clinic on DC Health's list says it takes private insurance and self-pay. Call your insurance or the clinic to check your plan.

Only a few places say on their official websites that they take walk-ins. Most clinics do not say. We show "Walk-ins welcome" only when a clinic confirms it in writing. Otherwise, call first.

Some pharmacies take walk-ins, but pharmacists may not give every shot to young children. Call the pharmacy before you bring a young child.

You have the right to a free interpreter. Show the I Speak card at the desk to ask for one.

Docket is DC's free app that shows the shot record DC already has for your child. You can show it or download it for school and clinic visits.

Download the Docket app or use the website. Enter your child's name, birth date and your contact details to find the record. If nothing shows up, ask your child's doctor or call DC Health.

Bring the shot record, your child's insurance or Medicaid card if you have one, and the school forms.