On-time vaccination helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are safe and effective.
Following the recommended vaccine schedule provides your child with the best protection from potentially serious diseases.
Children 6 months – 5 years old who attend any group childcare or daycare facility in Philadelphia must receive a dose of flu vaccine between September 1 and December 31 every year. You may be asked by your childcare facility to provide documentation of your child receiving their flu shot.
Find out more about school vaccination requirements for Philadelphia students in grades K–12.
Looking for a measles vaccine?
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is your best protection against measles — and Philadelphia residents can get it for free at the City’s health centers!
For children
Any child in Philadelphia can get vaccinated at any City health center. Contact our call center at (215) 685-2933 to make an appointment.
For anyone
We’re also offering walk-in MMR vaccines at three City health centers for a limited time. Any Philadelphia resident is eligible. Visit these three locations Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. – noon and 1 – 3 p.m.:
- Health Center 3, 555 S. 43rd St.
- Health Center 4, 4400 Haverford Ave.
- Health Center 5, 1900 N. 20th. St.
During these walk-in hours, you don’t need an appointment. There’s no copay or fee for the vaccine, and you don’t even need an ID — just a piece of mail with your address on it.
Where to find vaccines
If your child is insured
If your child has health insurance, the best way to get vaccinated is to make an appointment with their doctor. However, pharmacists can administer some vaccines to children. Call ahead to check that your child can be vaccinated at the pharmacy, to make sure they have the vaccines you need, and that the vaccine be covered by your insurance.
Looking for a doctor for your child?
- Call the number on the back of your child’s insurance card or visit the company’s website.
- Reach out to a City health center. Call ahead to make an appointment or learn about available walk-in hours. They’ll also be able to let you know what identification or proof of residency you’ll need (if any) for your child to be vaccinated.
If your child is uninsured
If your child doesn’t have health insurance, you can get vaccines at a City health center. Call ahead to make an appointment or learn about available walk-in hours. They’ll also be able to let you know what identification or proof of residency you’ll need (if any) for your child to be vaccinated. These sites can also help you apply for affordable health insurance for your child.