Childhood Vaccinations in Arizona: A Parent's Guide
Required and recommended vaccines, school entry rules, and where to get your child vaccinated
14vaccines recommended by age 2
Last reviewed: April 2026
Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your child from serious diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend a series of vaccinations starting at birth, with most completed by age 2.
Arizona requires certain vaccinations for school and childcare entry. The state also has specific rules about exemptions and catch-up schedules. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or transferring from another state, understanding what is required helps you stay on track.
This guide covers the recommended vaccine schedule, Arizona-specific requirements, where to get vaccinated across the state, and answers to common questions parents ask.
Why Vaccines Matter
Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight specific germs. They have eliminated or drastically reduced diseases that once killed thousands of children each year, including polio, measles, and whooping cough.
When vaccination rates drop in a community, these diseases can return. Arizona has experienced outbreaks of measles and whooping cough in recent years, particularly in areas with lower vaccination coverage. Keeping your child on schedule protects them and the people around them.
Recommended Vaccine Schedule by Age
- Birth: Hepatitis B (HepB), dose 1
- 2 months: DTaP, IPV (polio), Hib, PCV15, RV (rotavirus), HepB dose 2
- 4 months: DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV15, RV
- 6 months: DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV15, RV, HepB dose 3, influenza (annual, starting at 6 months)
- 12-15 months: MMR dose 1, varicella dose 1, HepA dose 1, PCV15 booster, Hib booster
- 18 months: HepA dose 2
- 4-6 years: DTaP booster, IPV booster, MMR dose 2, varicella dose 2
- 11-12 years: Tdap, HPV (2-dose series), meningococcal ACWY
- 16 years: meningococcal ACWY booster
14 Vaccines Protect Against 16 Diseases
By age 2, the CDC-recommended schedule covers protection against hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcal disease, polio, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), and COVID-19. That is 14 vaccines protecting against 16 diseases, delivered across multiple well-child visits.
Arizona School Entry Requirements
Arizona law requires the following immunizations for school and childcare entry: DTaP (or DTP), polio (IPV/OPV), MMR, hepatitis B, and varicella. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) publishes updated requirements each school year.
Children entering kindergarten in Arizona must show proof of all required doses. If your child is behind, your pediatrician can create a catch-up schedule. Schools may conditionally enroll students who are in the process of completing their vaccinations.
Exemptions in Arizona
Arizona allows two types of vaccine exemptions for school entry: medical and personal belief. A medical exemption requires documentation from a licensed healthcare provider. A personal belief exemption requires a signed form from the parent or guardian.
Even with an exemption on file, unvaccinated children may be excluded from school during an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease. Talk to your pediatrician if you have questions about the risks and benefits of vaccination.
Where to Get Vaccinated in Arizona
Your child's pediatrician or family medicine provider is the best first option. Most well-child visits include scheduled vaccinations at no out-of-pocket cost under insurance.
If you do not have insurance or need catch-up vaccines, the following resources are available across Arizona:
Maricopa County Department of Public Health operates immunization clinics throughout the Phoenix metro area. Pima County Health Department offers vaccine clinics in Tucson. The Arizona Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides free vaccines to eligible children at participating provider offices. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across the state offer vaccinations on a sliding fee scale.
When to Contact Your Pediatrician
Call your child's doctor if you are unsure whether your child is up to date on vaccinations, your child has a fever above 104 degrees F after a vaccine, your child has an allergic reaction (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing) after a vaccine, or you are moving to Arizona and need to transfer immunization records. Serious reactions are rare, but always report any concerns to your provider promptly.
Keeping Records Organized
Arizona uses the Arizona State Immunization Information System (ASIIS) to track vaccinations statewide. Ask your provider to confirm your child's records are entered into ASIIS. You can request a copy of your child's immunization history through your provider or the ADHS.
Keep a personal copy of your child's vaccination card in a safe place. You will need it for school enrollment, camp registration, and college applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are vaccines safe for my child?
Yes. Vaccines undergo years of testing before approval and are continuously monitored for safety. Serious side effects are extremely rare. The CDC and AAP confirm that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Can my child get multiple vaccines at one visit?
Yes. Giving multiple vaccines at one visit is safe and effective. It reduces the number of office visits and keeps your child on schedule. Combination vaccines like DTaP already include protection against several diseases in one shot.
What if my child missed a vaccine?
Talk to your pediatrician about a catch-up schedule. Most vaccines can be given later than the recommended date. You do not need to restart a vaccine series if a dose was delayed.
Does Arizona require the HPV vaccine for school?
No. Arizona does not currently require the HPV vaccine for school entry. However, the CDC and AAP strongly recommend it for all children starting at age 11-12 to prevent HPV-related cancers.
Where can I find free vaccines in Arizona?
The Arizona Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides free vaccines to children who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, or American Indian/Alaska Native. Contact your local health department or visit a participating VFC provider.