Immunizations protect our community from deadly diseases—diseases that can spread quickly. It is better to prevent diseases than to treat them. Mecklenburg County Public Health offers shots in a safe and caring environment.
Ensure your school-age child is up-to-date on required and recommended immunizations.
Services Provided
- Childhood immunizations (shots are required for daycare and school entry)
- Adolescent immunizations (i.e. HPV, Menactra, Tdap)
- College entrance immunizations
- Adult immunizations (i.e. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Zostavax, pre-rabies vaccine)
- Seasonal flu vaccine
What to Bring to Your Appointment
-
Important! Bring copies of your child's immunization record, so staff will know which vaccines you child has had if they've never visited the Health Department.
- Insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and/or HMO card
- Proof of income (W-2, check stub)
- Personal ID (driver license, birth certificate, social security card, etc.)
What Shots Do You Need?
Clinic Locations
Call 704-336-6500 to make an appointment. Clinics open Monday - Friday. Late appointments available on Wednesdays at NW and SE Health Departments only.
Language assistance services are available, free of charge. If you find our hours or locations inconvenient, send us an
email.
How Much Does it Cost?
Some immunizations provided by the Health Department are free. For paid vaccines, see
fee schedule.
Medical Records
Medical Records is located at NW and SE Health Department facilities. Call 704-336-6498 or email MedRec@mecknc.gov to make a request.
Medical Records fax numbers
- NW Health Department, Beatties Ford Road: 1-877-287-0073
- SE Health Department, Billingsley Road: 1-888-295-4297
Learn about
childhood diseases that vaccines may prevent.
FAQ: Measles and the MMR Vaccine
What is the best way to protect against measles?
There has been a significant increase in the number of measles cases nationwide. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to protect individuals and to prevent the spread of measles. MCPH strongly encourages any individual who is not up to date to get vaccinated.
What should I do if I have questions about the MMR vaccine?
We strongly encourage all individuals with questions about the MMR vaccine to have a conversation with their healthcare provider or with the Mecklenburg County Health Department (MCHD) Immunization Clinic.
I think I had the measles as a child; do I need to get an MMR vaccine now to ensure I am protected?
It depends.
Immunity after a confirmed measles infection is considered lifelong. Therefore, if you had measles that was diagnosed with a blood test (laboratory diagnosed) and/or have had a blood test (serology) that shows that you are immune, you do not need the MMR vaccine for protection against measles.
However, if you believe you had the measles but do not have laboratory evidence of either the disease or immunity, you should receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine to for protection against measles.
In addition, the MMR vaccine also provides protection against mumps and rubella. Even if you are immune to measles, you may still need the MMR vaccine for protection against those two diseases, unless you have evidence of immunity to mumps and rubella as well.
What should I do if I am unsure if I am protected against measles?
The recommendations for who should receive the MMR vaccine below may help. If you still have questions, follow up with your healthcare provider or with the Mecklenburg County Health Department (MCHD) Immunization Clinic.
Is it harmful to receive another dose of the MMR vaccine if you are unsure if you have been previously immunized?
No. If you are unsure if you previously received an MMR vaccine, it is safe to receive the vaccine again.
Where can I get the MMR vaccine?
Call your healthcare provider to see if they offer the MMR vaccine. Otherwise, the Health Department offers all routine immunizations (including the MMR vaccine) at three different locations: Billingsley Road, Freedom Drive, and Beatties Ford Road. Call
704 336-6500 to make an appointment.
Language assistance services are available to you, free of charge. Call 704-336-6500.
Who should receive the MMR vaccine?
- Children ages 12 months and older:
- 2 doses of MMR separated by at least 28 days
- Routine vaccination schedule: one dose at 12-15 months and another dose at 4-6 years.
- Adults born
during or after 1957 who do not have evidence of immunity:
- Should receive at least 1 dose of MMR vaccine
- Some adults should receive 2 doses, including:
- Students attending post-high school educational institutions
- Household or close personal contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- International travelers (see below)
- Healthcare personnel (see below)
- Some adults who received the measles vaccine
prior to 1968 may have received the inactivated (killed) type, which isn’t as effective as the live attenuated version.
- If you received the inactivated (killed) measles vaccine or are unsure of the type of measles vaccine you received, you should get at least one dose of the current live attenuated MMR vaccine.
- Adults born
before 1957 are considered immune to measles and vaccination at this time is
not recommended, with
two exceptions:
-
Exception: See note below for healthcare personnel
-
Exception: if you have had serologic (blood) testing performed that indicates that you are
not immune to measles, you should receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.
- Healthcare personnel with no evidence of immunity:
- 2 doses of MMR separated by at least 28 days
- Consider 2 dose series at least 28 days apart for healthcare personnel born before 1957 without other evidence of immunity (laboratory documentation of disease or immunity)
- International travel:
- Infants ages 6-11 months: 1 dose of MMR vaccine prior to departure (will need 2 additional doses after age 12 months)
- Unvaccinated individuals 12 months and older: 2 doses separated by at least 28 days
Are there any contraindications to the MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is very safe. Most people can receive the vaccine. However, individuals with certain medical conditions should not receive the vaccine. Your healthcare provider will assess for any contraindications prior to administering the vaccine.
What should I do if I may have been exposed to an individual with measles and I am up to date with my MMR vaccine?
Per current guidance, individuals who are up to date with the MMR vaccine do
not need a booster dose in the event of a potential exposure to an individual infected with measles.
What should I do if I may have been exposed to an individual with measles and I haven’t received the MMR vaccine, or I am unsure if I am up to date with the MMR vaccine?
If you’re unvaccinated or unsure of your immunization status and have been potentially exposed to an individual with measles, you should consult a healthcare provider
as soon as possible to discuss post-exposure prophylaxis.
What should I do if I think I may have signs/symptoms of measles?
Notify your healthcare provider immediately so that necessary isolation precautions may be taken.
Have there been any cases of Measles in Mecklenburg County?
At this time, there have been
no cases of measles identified in Mecklenburg County.
How frequently will this guidance be updated?
MCPH continues to closely monitor the situation and is prepared to respond to any potential exposure or risk to county residents. We will update this guidance as frequently as needed. Please don't hesitate to reach out to MCPH at 980-314-9090 with any questions or concerns.