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Childcare Guidelines for Immunization Record Keeping
Kathy Gates BSN, RN, IMH-E®
Infant Family Associate
IdahoSTARS Child Care Health Consultant
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Vaccines can prevent common diseases that used to seriously harm or even kill infants, children, and adults.” The American Academy of Pediatrics states that “Immunizations are one of the greatest public health achievements, preventing tens of thousands of deaths, millions of cases of disease, and saving billions of dollars per decade. Immunizations are a safe, effective way to protect children from disease, including some cancers, as well as hospitalization, disability, and death.” The most current immunization schedules can be found at the CDC.
Routine childhood immunizations protect children from fourteen serious childhood diseases. Because of the benefits of immunizations, the State of Idaho requires children attending childcare to have routine immunizations. Idaho law (39-1118) requires parents/guardians of children attending childcare to provide immunizations records or an exemption within fourteen days of enrollment.
Guidelines for childcare providers can be found in the Child Care Provider Manual. The manual was last updated July 2024.
Immunizations Idaho Code, Chapter 11, Section 39-1118: 39-1118. Immunization required. (1) Within fourteen (14) days of a child's initial attendance at any licensed daycare facility, the parent or guardian shall provide an immunization record to the operator of the daycare facility regarding the child's immunity to certain childhood diseases. This record, signed by a physician or his representative or another licensed health care professional, shall verify that the child has received or is in the process of receiving immunizations as specified by the board; or can effectively demonstrate, through verification in a form approved by the department, immunity gained through prior contraction of the disease.
Idaho law also allows for exemption from the immunization requirements:
Any minor child whose parent or guardian has submitted to officials of a licensed daycare facility a certificate signed by a physician licensed by the state board of medicine stating that the physical condition of the child is such that all or any of the required immunizations would endanger the life or health of the child shall be exempt from the provisions of this section. Any minor child whose parent or guardian has submitted a signed statement to officials of the daycare facility stating their objections on religious or other grounds shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.
Immunization rules for childcare facilities can be found through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Childcare facilities are required by law to retain immunization records and/or exemption records for each child for as long as the child attends the facility plus one year after last attendance.
Idaho has the immunization reminder information system (IRIS) that reminds patients when immunizations are needed and provides a permanent immunization record. IRIS is only available to specific authorized individuals. Childcare providers can request an account in IRIS. Having access to the immunization records of the children in your care and receiving reminders of upcoming immunizations is a great way to collaborate with your families to ensure that the children in your care are receiving their needed vaccines on time. If you have questions regarding IRIS and how to access the system, contact your regional Child Care Health Consultant (CCHC).
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