Obtain an authentic vaccination history and ask the receiving school or healthcare service how it wants that history presented. Keep the original dates and product information intact. If records are missing or difficult to interpret, ask a qualified clinician about the gap rather than reconstructing a certificate yourself.
Keep records distinct from vaccination decisions
The CDC explains that it does not keep individual vaccination records and identifies clinics, schools and relevant registries as possible places to request records in the US. Its guidance also says school requirements differ between US states. The receiving institution and clinician must therefore answer the actual requirements and clinical questions for the move. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Keeping Track of Records.
Create a record retrieval list
List where each part of the history may be held, including previous clinics and schools. The worksheet is an index to authentic evidence, not a replacement immunisation record. Ask the new recipient whether it needs a translation, a particular format or a clinician’s review, and record its answer.
| Record holder | Request | Follow-up |
|---|---|---|
| Current clinic | Official history it holds | How is a copy released? |
| Previous providers | Missing dated entries | Who can confirm the record? |
| Former school | Copy of history on file | Is the source complete? |
| Receiving service | Accepted format and review process | Who resolves uncertain entries? |
Handle a partial record honestly
Illustrative situation: a school file lists several vaccinations, while an old clinic holds additional entries. Keep both authentic copies and mark which part came from which source. Ask the receiving clinician how they should be reconciled. Do not combine the information into something that appears to be a newly issued official certificate or make an unsupported statement that a child meets every requirement.
Use the first appointment well
Bring the records and a short list of unresolved dates or names to the relevant professional. Ask how future updates will be recorded and how the family can obtain a copy. Keep administrative acceptance, school admission and clinical recommendations as separate questions so that one office’s reply is not mistaken for all three.
Keep the next action in your moving planner. For the country-specific authority, use our destination directory.