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FAQs Immunizations

Where can I find the SMART health card FAQs?

View SMART Health Card Information.

Do I need an appointment at my ADH local health department to get my child their required vaccinations?

Yes, please call your local health department to schedule an appointment for vaccinations.  

How do I get a copy of my shot record, the shot record of my child, or a child under my guardianship?

Click here to download a copy of the Shot Record Request Form. 

Or you can E-mail us or call (501-661-2169) to request the release form be faxed or mailed.

NOTE:  The person requesting the shot record must be a responsible party on record.

Where do I get information on vaccines needed for international travel?

The Arkansas Department of Health does not provide immunizations for travelers.  Please view the list of International Travel Physicians who provide immunizations for travelers. 

When are flu shots needed and where do I get them?

Get your flu shot each year beginning in early Fall.  They are available in local health departments and many physicians’ offices. For information regarding mass flu clinics and school flu clinics, please contact your local public health unit.

How do I report a possible adverse event after receiving an immunization?

Patients should contact the clinic or provider who gave the immunization. Most reports are sent in by vaccine manufacturers and health care providers, but vaccine recipients, parents/guardians, and others may also submit reports.  For more information, visit the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) website.

How do I get a medical exemption for my child regarding a required immunization?

Answer: Arkansas law requires all students attending Arkansas schools and licensed childcare facilities to be vaccinated against certain diseases, unless an official exemption form is filed. *Ark. Code Ann. §§ 20-7-109, 6-18-702, 6-60-501 – 504, and 20-78-206.

An application requesting an exemption must be submitted for each child and for each child care or school the student attends.  An application with a notarized signature of the parent or guardian must be submitted each school year to the Department of Health.  Outdated or alternate forms are not allowed. Incomplete forms will be returned for completion.  Exemptions shall be granted only by the Arkansas Department of Health.

If a child is exposed to a vaccine-preventable disease for which an exemption is chosen, the child should expect to be excluded from childcare or school for 21 days or longer as determined by the Arkansas Department of Health.  This is for the protection of the exempted child and the protection of others. 

A physician statement outlining medical reasons for an exemption of a specific immunization is to be submitted to the Medical Director of the Immunization Section with the exemption form. The Medical Director will decide whether to grant the medical exemption based on the CDC guidelines.

Click to download the exemption application form.  Daycare/School Exemption Form or College Exemption Form.  Or E-mail us to request the exemption form.

PLEASE NOTE: The form requires a signature and seal of a Notary Public.

Complete and mail, fax or email to:
Arkansas Department of Health,
ATTN:  Exemptions
4815 West Markham – Mail Slot 48
Little Rock, AR 72205.
FAX:  501-661-2300
Email:  immunization.section@arkansas.gov
 

How do I get a religious or philosophical exemption for my child regarding their required immunizations?

Arkansas law requires all students attending Arkansas schools and licensed childcare facilities to be vaccinated against certain diseases, unless an official exemption form is filed. *Ark. Code Ann. §§ 20-7-109, 6-18-702, 6-60-501 – 504, and 20-78-206.

An application requesting an exemption must be submitted for each child and for each child care or school the student attends.  An application with a notarized signature of the parent or guardian must be submitted each school year to the Department of Health.  Outdated or alternate forms are not allowed. Incomplete forms will be returned for completion.  Exemptions shall be granted only by the Arkansas Department of Health.

If a child is exposed to a vaccine-preventable disease for which an exemption is chosen, the child should expect to be excluded from childcare or school for 21 days or longer as determined by the Arkansas Department of Health.  This is for the protection of the exempted child and the protection of others. 

Click to download the exemption application form.  Daycare/School Exemption Form or College Exemption Form.  Or E-mail us to request the exemption form. 

PLEASE NOTE: The form requires a signature and seal of a Notary Public.

Complete and mail, fax or email to:
Arkansas Department of Health,
ATTN:  Exemptions
4815 West Markham – Mail Slot 48
Little Rock, AR 72205.
FAX:  501-661-2300
Email:  immunization.section@arkansas.gov

Is there a medical exemption regarding flu vaccinations for nursing home workers?

There is a medical exemption for nursing home employees for flu vaccination. A physician statement outlining medical reasons for an exemption of a specific immunization is to be submitted to the Medical Director of the Immunization Section with the exemption form.

Click to download the Medical Exemption Application Form for nursing home workers. Or E-mail us to request the exemption form. 

PLEASE NOTE: The form requires a signature and seal of a Notary Public.

What are the immunization requirements for colleges, schools, and daycares?

See Immunization Requirements for Daycares and Schools. 

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