FAQ – Vaccine Records and Proof for Work or School
Where can I find my vaccine record in California?
Start with the CDPH Digital Vaccine Record (DVR). If your record is available, you can view and print it. If you do not see your vaccines there, you may still have records elsewhere.
What counts as proof of vaccination for work or school?
Acceptable proof depends on the organization, but common options include:
- A printout or screenshot from CDPH Digital Vaccine Record (DVR)
- A vaccination card or record from a clinic, pharmacy, or doctor’s office
- A school or childcare immunization record
- A record from an immunization registry or health care portal
If you are unsure what is accepted, ask the workplace, school, or childcare site what documentation they require.
What information do I need to look up my Digital Vaccine Record?
You will need information that matches what was used when you were vaccinated, such as your name, date of birth, and a phone number or email address. If the information does not match, the record may not be found.
My Digital Vaccine Record is missing doses. What should I do?
This can happen if your vaccine provider did not report a dose, or if your contact information does not match. Try again using the exact name and contact information used at the time of vaccination. If doses are still missing, contact the place you were vaccinated and ask for a copy of your record. You can also contact the Immunization Program for help.
I never received a vaccine card, or I lost it. Can I still get proof?
Yes. Most vaccination sites can provide a replacement record or printout. Contact the clinic, pharmacy, or provider where you were vaccinated. If you cannot reach them, try DVR or your health care portal, or contact the Immunization Program for guidance.
What if I was vaccinated in another state or country?
California’s Digital Vaccine Record may not include vaccines you received outside California. Use records from your previous provider, state registry, or country documentation. If you need help translating records into a format your school or employer will accept, contact your provider or the Immunization Program.
What if I cannot find any records?
Start with places most likely to have documentation:
- Your current or past doctor’s office or clinic
- Your pharmacy (if vaccinated at a pharmacy)
- School or childcare records
- Previous employers, military, or college health services (if applicable)
If records cannot be found, your provider can advise whether it is best to repeat doses or consider blood tests for certain vaccines. In many cases, repeating vaccines is safe.
Can I use blood tests to prove I’m immune instead of showing vaccine records?
Sometimes. Blood tests (called titers) can show immunity for certain diseases, but not for all vaccines, and not all schools or employers accept titers in place of immunization records. Ask the organization what they accept, and talk with your health care provider if you are considering titers.
How do I get records for my child?
Start with your child’s pediatrician or clinic, school or childcare records, and the Digital Vaccine Record if available. If your child has received vaccines from multiple providers, you may need to request records from more than one place.
How do schools in California check immunization records?
California schools and childcare providers review immunization records at admission and at certain grade checkpoints. Families typically provide a vaccine record, and schools may also receive documentation directly from a health care provider.
Can the Immunization Program give me my vaccine record?
Sometimes we can help, but it depends on where you were vaccinated and what systems were used. If you are having trouble locating records, contact the Immunization Program. We can help you figure out the best next steps and where to request documentation.
I need proof quickly. What is the fastest way?
Try CDPH Digital Vaccine Record (DVR) first. If you need documentation immediately and DVR does not work, call the clinic or pharmacy where you were vaccinated and ask for a record printout.
What if my name, phone number, or email changed since I was vaccinated?
That can affect your ability to find your record in DVR. Try using the information you may have used at the time of vaccination. If you are still unable to locate it, contact the vaccination provider and ask them to update your information and provide documentation.
Who can I contact for help?
If you are stuck, contact the Immunization Program. We can help you troubleshoot DVR, identify where records might be kept, and suggest next steps based on your situation.