Vaccines are essential to keeping kids healthy and protected from serious illnesses like measles, polio, and whooping cough. If you’re wondering where to go for childhood vaccinations in King County, here’s what you need to know.
No-cost vaccines for every child
Thanks to Washington State’s Childhood Vaccine Program (CVP), all children ages 0 to 18 can receive recommended vaccines at no cost. Whether your child has insurance or not, they’re eligible. You may be charged an administration fee, but you don’t have to pay for it if you cannot afford it.
There are about 300 healthcare providers who participate in the CVP in King County. Most providers ask that your child be an established patient before administering vaccines.
Where to get childhood vaccines in King County
- Your child’s healthcare provider.
- Children can get vaccinated at their regular doctor’s office or pediatric clinic. You can use this visit to talk about other health concerns or complete a sports physical. Or, if you’re in a hurry and have no other healthcare needs, you can check to see if your child’s healthcare provider offers vaccination-only visits. If your child needs a healthcare provider, use this map to find a CVP provider near you.
- School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs)
- Many school districts in the area offer School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs). These centers are open during the school day and provide no-cost vaccines and other healthcare services to students. Some SBHCs, such as those in the Seattle Public School District, offer healthcare services to any student within the district, even if they don’t go to the school where the SBHC is located. Find more info on SBHCs here.
- Pharmacies
- Most pharmacies do not vaccinate very young children. Call or visit your pharmacy’s website to check age restrictions. Most pharmacies accept insurance or charge an out-of-pocket fee for uninsured people. Flu shots usually cost $30 to $50 out of pocket, and the cost for other vaccines varies. Check with your local pharmacy to make sure they can vaccinate your child and to ask about any costs
Stay ahead of school requirements
To keep students and the community healthy, vaccines are required for school attendance in Washington. To stay current and avoid last-minute surprises, visit the Vax to School page from WA Department of Health. It has updated information on what’s needed for preschool, elementary, and beyond.
For additional information on vaccinations, visit King County’s Immunizations website.