How can I get a copy of my permanent school record?

Do you have to have immunization record to join a school even for kindergarten?

• I know of a doctor who says that you don't need to have one and there is no law that mandates that one has to have a immunization record for entering any school. However, my son is going to be in kindergarten next year and they are asking us for his immunization record to join. He had his immunizations, but we don't ourselves have any kind of records for him at home. Where can you get your immunization record from if you don't have a copy in your position?

• Answer:

  Legally, public schools cannot mandate vaccination for a child in their system. Private schools can. If your child has been vaccinated and you can't provide records, then your kid is at risk for being treated the same way as the kid who hasn't been vaccinated. Immunization is a private choice that has a huge impact on public health so there are policies in place to handle non-vaccinated children. You can get copies of his medical records, including vaccines, from his doctor.