Parent Information on Minnesota’s Immunization Law for Child Care and Early Childhood Programs

Healthy kids are everybody's job! This fact sheet provides information on Minnesota’s immunization law for parents with children in child care and early childhood programs.

Download PDF version formatted for print: 
Parent Information on Minnesota's Immunization Law for Child Care and Early Childhood Programs (PDF)

On this page:
What shots are required? 
Why should I immunize my child?
When should my child get shots? 
Do I need to keep track of my child's shots? 
Where can I get more information and materials?

What shots are required?

Child care and early childhood program providers must have records on file showing that each child 2 months of age and older has been appropriately immunized against certain diseases or has a medical or non-medical exemption. Your child may need to receive vaccines that are not required for child care entry to be fully protected against diseases like rotavirus and influenza.

To see immunization schedules, go to Vaccines for Infants, Children and Adolescents.

A child care or early childhood program provider can refuse to admit your child if he or she doesn't have documentation of the shots or a medical or non-medical exemption.

Why should I immunize my child?

Parents who don't get their children immunized may be putting them and others at risk for a number of diseases. These diseases can cause serious health problems, including death.

Minnesota children are still getting diseases like measles, whooping cough (pertussis), and chickenpox (varicella). These diseases are contagious. They can spread rapidly – especially among groups of children who haven't received their shots. Also, some of them, like whooping cough, are much more serious for children than they are for adults. You can protect your children by making sure they get all their shots.

When should my child get shots?

A child gets their first immunization at birth and will continue to need immunizations throughout their life.

For the best protection, it's important to get shots at the right ages. See your child's primary doctor for immunizations. If you don't have a doctor or are concerned about the cost of shots, go to Free or Low-Cost Shots for Children to see if your child is eligible to receive shots for little or no cost.

Do I need to keep track of my child's shots?

Yes, you will need your child's shot records often – for child care, early childhood programs, school, camp, sports programs, and doctor visits. Ask your child's clinic for an updated shot record every time they receive a vaccine.

The Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) can also help. MIIC is a statewide, confidential system for storing shot information all in one place. This can be a real time-saver, especially if you change clinics, move, or lose your child's shot record. MIIC also helps your child's doctor make sure your child gets the right shots at the right times.

Visit Find My Immunization Record for information on how to access or update your or your child's MIIC immunization record. 

Where can I get more information and materials?

Call your local public health department or visit our Immunization website.