Immunization Assistance

The Immunization Assistance Program provides consultation, education, and resources on immunizations and immunization laws for parents, community-based organizations (CBOs), medical providers, child-care providers, and schools in Sacramento County. 

The program offers guidance on required and recommended vaccines for all age groups, supports schools and healthcare providers in meeting state immunization requirements, and conducts outreach to improve vaccine access and awareness.  

Services include referrals to immunization resources, annual flu vaccine clinics, and state-supplied vaccines during outbreaks. The program also runs the Perinatal Hepatitis B Outreach Program, which assists pregnant women living with hepatitis B in protecting their families and ensuring timely vaccination and follow-up care for infants. 

 

 

 

2025 Immunization Block Schedule

Routine Immunization Timing 2025.

Suggested schedule to meet recommendations on time.

See Routine Immunization Timing Details

ShapeExplore The Immunization Assistance Program 

Program Details 

The Immunization Assistance Program provides information, resources, and consultation on immunizations for children and adults in Sacramento County, including guidance for parents, community organizations, medical providers, child-care providers, and schools. The program refers clients to immunization services, conducts annual flu vaccine clinics, provides state-supplied vaccines during outbreaks, and runs the Perinatal Hepatitis B Outreach Program to support pregnant women living with hepatitis B.  

Immunization Schedules

General Immunization Resources

Overview of Services 

Provides information about immunizations and immunization
services available to children and adults in Sacramento County. 


 

Perinatal Hepatitis B Outreach Program provides case management and support to pregnant mothers and healthcare providers. The program gives support and helps make sure the virus is not passed from mother to baby. 

Provides consultation services to parents, community-based organizations, medical providers, daycare providers, and schools regarding immunizations
and applicable immunization
laws. 

Refers clients to immunization resources in their area within 
Sacramento County.
 
 

Conducts flu vaccine clinics each fall for all age groups according to the California Department of Public Health’s recommendations.
 

Provides State-supplied vaccines during vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks as directed by the California Department of Public Health​.

Eligibility & Help Getting Immunized
 

To Qualify for Immunization Assistance  

Children 0 through 18 years old may qualify for no-cost immunizations if they meet one of the following criteria: 

  • The child is uninsured 
  • The child has Medi-Cal or is Medi-Cal eligible 
  • The child is an Alaskan Native or American Indian 
  • Others who do not fall into the categories listed above or those seeking travel or routine immunizations may telephone our programs for referrals to private immunization providers for service 

Contact Information 

Immunization Assistance Program  

Business Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM  
Telephone: (916) 875-7468  
Email: immunize@saccounty.gov 

*Vaccinations are available at scheduled vaccine clinics and by appointment only.  
**VFC Eligibility Required Medi-Cal/CHDP eligible; Underinsured, no Health Insurance; American Indian & Alaskan Native.​ 

Vaccine Information 

About

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Every year, tens of thousands of Americans get sick from diseases that can be prevented by vaccines. Some people who become ill from vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) are hospitalized and some even die. Immunizations are the best way to protect against these diseases. Vaccines are recommended for children, teens, and adults based on different factors like age, health conditions, lifestyle, jobs, and travel. 

Why Are Immunizations Important? 

  1. Vaccinations Can Help Protect People

    Vaccinations can help protect people from VPDs and some of the serious complications associated with these diseases. 

  2. Herd Immunity

    Having a higher percent of the population vaccinated against VPDs can reduce the ability of these diseases to spread (herd immunity). 

  3. They are Important in Protecting The Most Vulnerable

    Vaccinations are especially important in protecting those who are most vulnerable to illness, including infants and young children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions and weakened​​ immune systems.  

  4. Mitigate Vaccine Preventable Diseases

    Some vaccine-prventable diseases (VPDs) (like polio and diphtheria) are becoming rare in the United States largely because of vaccines. However, vaccination needs to continue until these diseases are eliminated (zero cases), otherwise these diseases can make a comeback. 

  5. Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Are Still Active

    Vaccine-prventable diseases (VPDs) are still active in other countries and can be brought into the United States from a simple plane ride. 

What Diseases Can Vaccines Prevent?  

  • Diphtheria
  • Haemophilus influenzae Type b (HIB) 
  • Hepatitis A 
  • Hepatitis B 
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 
  • Influenza (flu) 
  • Measles 
  • Meningococcal Disease 
  • Mumps 
  • Pertussis (whopping cough) 
  • Polio 
  • Pneumococcal Disease (pneumonia​) 
  • Rotavirus 
  • Rubella (German Measles) 
  • Tetanus 
  • Varicella (chickenpox) 

Are Vaccines Safe?  

Vaccines are safe. There may be occasional side effects, such as pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Although extremely rare, a severe reaction may occur in people who are allergic to any component of the vaccine. Some individuals (such as pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems) are advised not to get certain vaccines. Consult with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations. 

Vaccines for Infants and Children  

There are many vaccines recommended for infants and children​. Some of these ​vaccines are required for school entry per California Department of Public Health. Here are some guidelines for parents: 

  • Find a health care provider for your child that you feel comfortable with and establish a long-lasting relationship. 
  • Keep the yellow vaccination card in a safe place and take it with you every time your child sees the health care provider. 
  • Ask the health care provider if your child is up-to-date on his/her vaccines at each doctor's visit. 
  • Talk to your health care provider about putting immunization records in the ​California Immunization Registry. 

No-cost immunizations are offered by the Sacramento County Immunization Assistance Program for children (0 through 18 years) who meet eligibility.  

Vaccines for Pre-Teens, Teens, and Adults  

Recommended vaccines are also available for pre-teens/teens and adults​ since they are also at risk of getting sick with VPDs, such as meningococcal disease, measles, pertussis (whopping cough), influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and pneumonia. Consult with your health care providers before receiving any vaccinations

Vaccines for Pregnant Women  

Certain ​​vaccines are recommended for pregnant women, such as the influenza and pertussis (whopping cough) vaccines. However, there are certain vaccines that pregnant women should not get. Consult with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.   

Vaccines for Travelers  

Persons traveling to other countries should receive recommended vaccines depending on the type of VPDs that are most common in that country. Some vaccines require several doses, so it is important to ​plan ahead and get vaccinated before traveling. Consult with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations. 

For Parents 

The Immunization Assistance Program provides trusted information, resources, and support to help parents navigate your child's vaccinations, school immunization requirements, and access to immunization services in Sacramento County. We offer guidance on recommended vaccines, referrals to local providers, and updates on immunizations to keep your child safe and in compliance with school and daycare requirements. 

If you have questions about vaccine schedules, exemptions, or where to get immunizations, we’re here to help. Explore our resources or contact us for support. 

Immunization Resources for Parents

For Schools 

Schools and childcare providers play a key role in keeping students healthy and meeting state immunization requirements. The Immunization Assistance Program can help you review records, connect families to vaccine resources, provide guidance on school-entry requirements, exemptions, and outbreak response. 

Immunization Resources for Schools

For Providers 

Healthcare providers are essential in protecting the community through immunizations. The Immunization Assistance Program (IAP) helps you stay up to date on immunization guidelines, access state-supplied vaccines during outbreaks, and support patient vaccine compliance. IAP can provide resources on vaccine schedules, reporting requirements, and best practices for immunization outreach. 

Immunization Resources for Providers

Resource Library 

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