If the immunization record of a child entering foster care is not readily available, it is often possible to reconstruct the child’s immunization history by communicating directly with the parents and previous medical providers or reviewing previous medical records from schools or the DC Department of Health Immunization Information System (DOCIIS). If no (or insufficient) information is available, then children should be considered susceptible to preventable childhood diseases and immunized according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. This administrative issuance outlines the immunization process for children entering or re-entering foster care.

For information regarding informed consent for the COVID-19 vaccination for children in out-of-home care, please refer to the AI on COVID-19 Vaccination for Children in Out-of-Home Care.

ADIS