News

October 7, 2024

PA Department of Health Sends Immunization Survey to Providers With October Deadline

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is sending a survey regarding child care immunization records to all licensed providers.

Learn More

The annual reporting of immunizations by all licensed child care providers is a state requirement

In recent years, the requirement was met by the DOH and County Municipal Health Department (CMHD) staff visiting a random sample of providers to review and document the status of immunization records. However, this method did not give the DOH a complete picture of the immunization status of child care providers statewide or identify areas of the state that could benefit from additional education or vaccination services.

As a result, the process to meet state reporting requirements has changed this year and involves two processes that have or will take place:

  • The DOH and CMHD staff visited a random sample of providers over the summer but only to educate, provide resource materials, and help providers read and understand vaccination records
  • A new Child Care Reporting survey is now required. It needs to be completed by all licensed child care providers even if they received a visit by a DOH or CMHD staff member this summer.

The survey will be used to assist the DOH in identifying areas of the state that may require additional education and outreach services regarding immunizations and vaccine availability. Once a provider submits the survey, a copy of responses will be emailed to the address listed on the survey.

The survey must be completed by no later than Thursday, Oct. 31.

Two young children playing with a stethoscope | gender play