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Adoption and Vaccines																									Related Pages
												If you’re adopting a child, ask for vaccination records so that you can confirm which vaccines the child has already received.International adoption
Father showing child a globe
Vaccinate according to the U.S. schedule
All international adoptees should receive vaccines according to the United States Childhood Immunization Schedule.
Vaccines your adopted child may need
Ask your adoption coordinator for your child’s vaccination records. The child’s birth country may have vaccines or a vaccination schedule that is different from the recommended immunization schedule in the United States.
An internationally adopted child should be considered susceptible to disease and be vaccinated (or revaccinated) against vaccine-preventable diseases if vaccination records:
cannot be located,
are incomplete,
cannot be understood, or
if you or your child’s doctor thinks they are inaccurate.If you are unsure whether or not your child was vaccinated, your child’s doctor can have their blood tested for antibodies to determine your child’s immunity to certain diseases. However, these tests may not be accurate. Doctors may prefer to revaccinate for best protection. Talk to your child’s doctor to determine what vaccines are needed to protect against diseases.
Learn about CDC’s role in international adoption and the health of international adoptees.
Father holding babySee common questions that parents ask about infant immunizations.
Protecting the entire family
You should be up to date on your vaccinations especially specific travel vaccinations before traveling to your child’s country of origin. See detailed information on healthy travel for international adoptions.
It is also very important that any other children or caregivers in your home are up to date on their vaccines.
Learn more health guidance for international adoptions.
Domestic adoption
When you adopt a child who was born in the U.S., ask your adoption coordinator for your child’s official vaccination records. If the records are not available, you may have to search for the records. For tips on locating your child’s vaccination record, see Finding and Updating Vaccine Records.
If you are unable to locate your child’s vaccination records, doctors recommend vaccinating according to the recommended immunization schedule. Your child may be vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases if you are not certain about the vaccines that your child has received. It is safe for your child to be revaccinated.
Work with your child’s doctor to catch up on any vaccines your child needs.
Foster children
Each state’s child welfare agency has different policies about vaccinating foster children. Talk to your child’s caseworker or placement agency about getting consent for routine medical care for your foster child. Once you have permission, ask for any available medical records. A healthcare provider can use these records to determine if your foster child is behind on any vaccines. You should keep records of all vaccines your foster child receives.
Learn about the vaccines that your foster child should receive by reviewing the immunization recommendations; see the Parent-Friendly Immunization Schedule.

Well-child visits tracker
Record your baby’s vaccines, weight, height, and developmental milestones.
Print to Use pdf icon[2 Pages]
Related Articles:
For vaccination information for U.S. immigrants and refugees, see Vaccines for Immigrants and Refugees.
New Vaccination Criteria for U.S. Immigration

			
							
								Page last reviewed:  May 14, 2019						Content source:  	National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases homeParents
Why Vaccinateplus icon
Making the Vaccine Decision
Strengthening Your Baby’s Immune System
Combination Vaccines
Vaccine Scheduleplus icon
Child Schedule
Teen Schedule
Who sets the Vaccine Schedule
Reasons to Follow the Schedule
Vaccines by Ageplus icon
Pregnancy
Birth
1-2 Months
3-4 Months
5-6 Months
7-11 Months
12-23 Months
2-3 Years
4-6 Years
7-10 Years
11-12 Years
13-18 Years
Diseases that Vaccines Preventplus icon
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Diphtheria
Flu (Influenza)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hib
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
Measles
Meningococcal
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Pneumococcal
Polio
Rotavirus
RSV
Rubella
Tetanus
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Diseases You Almost Forgot About
Your Child’s Vaccine Visitplus icon
Catch Up on Recommended Vaccinations
Before, During, and After Shots
How to Hold Your Child
Make Shots Less Stressful
Vaccines When Your Child is Sick
Vaccine Ingredients
Questions About Vaccines
Vaccine Recordsplus icon
Keeping Track of Records
Adoption and Vaccines
Before you Travel
Resourcesplus icon
Infant and Childhood Immunization Resources
Preteen and Teen Vaccine Resources
Maternal Immunization Resources Vaccines & Immunizations


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