Immunization Program
The immunization program provides the following services
to the community:
- Gives recommended immunizations to children and adults.
- Answers vaccine related questions from the public and
private medical offices.
- Oversees the state “Vaccines for Children” program
in Whatcom County.
- Distributes childhood vaccines to private medical offices
and clinics.
- Provides nurse consultation office visits and education.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where can I get the flu vaccine?
For flu information and the date and location of community flu vaccine clinics in Whatcom County see Flu Vaccine.
Why should pregnant women get the flu vaccine?
While pregnant women are advised to wait until after giving birth to get most vaccines, the influenza vaccine is specifically recommended during pregnancy. This is because women are at an increased risk of suffering complications and hospitalization if they become ill with influenza while pregnant.
Pregnant women are at increased risk because they:
- Have decreased lung volume
- Have increased blood volume (which leads to increased fluid in the lungs)
- Have decreased immunity
What shots do I need? What shots do my children need?
See the Washington State Department of Health immunization web
site for vaccine recommendations.
Do my children need any shots before they attend school or
child care?
To find more information on school and child care immunization
requirements, see http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/schools/default.htm
What are your clinic hours?
The health department no longer has a drop-in clinic
for immunizations. Appointments are available
Wednesday and Friday.
How can I make an appointment?
Call 676-4593 to schedule an appointment. Have your immunization
record available when you call to help us decide what shots
are needed.
How much do immunizations cost?
Children:
There is no charge for routine recommended vaccines,
but there is a $15.00 administration fee per shot and a $12.00 office fee. A sliding fee scale is available based on family size and income. No one will be denied state-supplied vaccine because of inability to pay the administration and office fees.
Adults:
Charges vary by vaccine and may be lower based on your income.
Persons at high risk of certain diseases may be eligible
for free vaccine. Call the health department for specific
vaccine costs.
Does the health department bill my insurance for shots?
The health department bills Medicare, Medicaid and Regence
Blue Shield for certain vaccines we give. For other insurances,
a receipt is provided for you to send in for reimbursement.
Call your insurance company to find out what vaccines are covered.
What vaccines do I need
if I travel out of the country? Can I get them at the health
department?
The health department does not provide travel clinic vaccines
or consultation. Go to Travel
Clinics for the location of
travel clinics in this region. You will also find links to
travel information
that may be helpful.
Where can I get a copy of my immunization record?
You can call to request a copy of your immunization record
for any shots given at the health department. For vaccines given
elsewhere, contact the health care provider that gave the vaccines. Many health care practices including the Whatcom County Health Department participate in the Washington State Immunization Registry. The Registry, however, may not show all vaccines given.
Where can I get more information about vaccines?
- Contact your health care provider.
- Call the health department
- Visit these web sites:
National Immunization Program
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesVaccines: HOME page for Vaccines and Immunizations site
Washington Department of Health
http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/
Immunization Action Coalition
http://www.vaccineinformation.org
“Plain Talk about Childhood Immunizations”
http:www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/communicable/immunization/PlainTalk.aspx
Immunization Program
1500 North State Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Telephone: (360) 676-4593
E-mail: health@co.whatcom.wa.us
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