Adult Vaccine Records: What to Bring to a Pharmacy Immunization Visit

An accurate vaccine history helps a pharmacist compare what you have already received with current recommendations and avoid decisions based only on memory.

Bring any record you have

Useful records can include a vaccine card, printout from a medical office, patient-portal record, prior pharmacy record or state immunization record. Even a partial record can help organize the discussion.

List important health information

Before vaccination, be ready to discuss allergies, prior vaccine reactions, pregnancy when relevant, immune-system conditions, current illness and medicines that affect the immune system. The questions asked may vary by vaccine.

Do not assume the schedule never changes

CDC immunization schedules are updated as recommendations change. Your age, health conditions, previous doses, travel plans and other factors can affect what is recommended. A current review is more useful than relying on an old checklist.

Ask which record will be updated

After vaccination, keep documentation in a place you can find later. Ask whether the dose will also be reported to an immunization information system and how you can retrieve a copy in the future.

Use the visit to plan ahead

If a vaccine requires more than one dose, ask when the next dose is due and whether there is flexibility in the interval. Put the follow-up date on your calendar before leaving.