Vaccines, or immunizations (shots), are safe and effective ways to prevent the spread of disease and save lives. A vaccine does more than just keep you safe, it also helps protect our community. As more people are vaccinated, it becomes harder for disease to spread.
Decisions about vaccines are best made by talking with your doctor or trusted health care provider. They will help you stay current with recommended vaccines based on age, personal and family medical history, and lifestyle. They will also help you understand benefits and risks of each vaccine based on scientific research so together, you can make the best choice for you and your family.
Are you fully vaccinated against measles?
A measles vaccine is the best way to protect yourself as the number of reported cases rise across the U.S. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective, with one dose being 93% effective and two doses being 97% effective against measles. Children 12 months of age through 12 years of age may receive the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, which also protects against varicella (chickenpox). Most people who receive two doses of either the MMR or MMRV vaccine are considered vaccinated (protected) for life against measles. If you are unsure of your vaccination status or what doses you still need, if any, contact your health care provider or visit a public health clinic.
About the measles vaccine
Vaccination against measles with two doses is 97% effective, so people who are sure that they have received two doses do not need a booster. A person who received only one dose or is not sure if they received two doses should seek out a second dose in order to be fully protected. People born before the 70s or outside the U.S. where a single dose of measles vaccine is routine may be affected.
It is recommended that all children receive the two dose MMR vaccine series, beginning at ages 12 to 15 months, followed by a booster dose at 4 to 6 years of age. Speak with your health care provider if you or your child is behind on vaccinations, has not been vaccinated, or if you are unsure of your vaccination status.
Planning to travel? The general travel recommendation has been that infants 6-11 months old receive one dose of the MMR vaccine before travel—especially outside the U.S.—and then receive two more doses after their first birthday, so early notification to your provider about potential travel is best. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status may be advised to receive one or two doses before they travel, as well.
Delaware’s Online Immunization Registry
DelVAX is Delaware’s confidential online immunization registry to help families, doctors, nurses, and schools keep track of immunizations. DelVAX makes it easy for:
- Parents and legal guardians to print official immunization records for their child/children (ages 0 through 17 years)
- Adults (ages 18 years and over) to print an official immunization record for themselves.
- Health care providers to record and check a patient’s immunization status.
- Schools to confirm state-required vaccinations for attendance.
Find your vaccination records online with DelVAX
How to sign up with DelVAX
- Visit the DelVAX Public Access Portal
- Enter the last name, first name, date of birth, gender, and relationship to the person whose record you are searching for.
- Choose either “Text” or “Email” and proceed to enter the cell phone number or email address, and click “Search.”
- Once the record is found, click “Request Code to Access Immunization Record.” You will receive an access code via text or email to enter on the “Verification Code” screen.
- Enter the “Verification Code” and click “Verify.”
- Print and/or save the Official Immunization Record (Adobe.PDF format)
- Please allow 1-3 business days for records to be updated in DelVAX.
Contact the Immunization Program at 1-800-282-8672 or email at DelVAX@delaware.gov if:
- Your doctor’s office is not entering immunizations into DelVAX (Delaware law requires that immunizations given in Delaware be reported in DelVAX).
- You have trouble accessing the DelVAX Public Access Portal.
- You have questions or concerns.
Responses to emails and calls received after normal business hours and on weekends may take up to 48 hours.
Where to get vaccines
Many primary care providers (PCP) are able to give routine vaccinations to children and adults at an annual well visit or by separate appointment. Vaccines may also be scheduled at all Delaware retail pharmacies. Be sure to present your health insurance or Medicaid card.
Those who are uninsured or underinsured may receive routine vaccinations at a Division of Public Health clinic based on recommended immunization schedules including:
- Children (six months and older, up to age 18): DTaP, Polio (IPV), MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B.
- Adults: Tdap (booster), HPV, Influenza, COVID-19, RSV, Pneumonia
Public Health services are provided on a sliding scale based on household income. Those with insurance may be charged a co-pay. No one is denied immunization services because of an inability to pay. Immunization services are provided to help uninsured and underinsured children up to age 18 receive the required childhood vaccinations. Services are provided on a sliding fee scale based on the household income. No one is denied immunization services because of an inability to pay.
Most clinics are open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., but please call each location for hours and availability.
New Castle County
Floyd I. Hudson State Service Center
501 Ogletown Road
Newark, DE 19711
302-283-7587
Porter (Winder Laird) State Service Center
509 W. 8th Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
302-777-2860
Kent County
James W. Williams State Service Center
805 River Road
Dover, DE 19901
302-857-5000
Milford Riverwalk
253 NE Front Street
Riverwalk Shopping Center
Milford, DE 19963
302-424-7140
Sussex County
Anna C. Shipley State Service Center
350 Virginia Ave.
Seaford, DE 19973
302-628-6772
Edward W. Pyle State Service Center
34314 Pyle Center Road
Frankford, DE 19945
302-732-1742
Thurman Adams State Service Center
546 S Bedford St.
Georgetown, DE, 19947
302-515-3174
Recommended Vaccines
The Delaware Division of Public Health follows the scientifically backed recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Children and Adolescents birth to 18 years
Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for Ages 18 Years or Younger
Learn more about Immunizations for Infants and Children programs through the Division of Public Health.
Vaccination requirements for children who attend Delaware schools K-12
Delaware public schools require proof of immunizations for all students, including DTaP, Polio, MMR, Hepatitis B, and Varicella (chickenpox). Specific requirements exist for kindergarten entry (including lead screening) and 9th grade (Tdap and meningococcal vaccine). Validated documentation must be provided, or students may be denied entry
- DTaP/DTP/Td/Tdap: 5 or more doses. If the 4th dose was given after the 4th birthday, only 4 doses are required.
- Polio (IPV/OPV): 4 or more doses. If the 3rd dose was given after the 4th birthday, only 3 doses are required.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): 2 doses. The first dose must be on or after the 1st birthday, and the second dose after the 4th birthday.
- Hepatitis B: 3 doses.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): 2 doses or written documentation of disease history from a healthcare provider.
- Tdap: 1 dose (required for students entering 9th grade).
- Meningococcal: 1 dose (required for students entering 9th grade)
Private school students have comparable requirements based on the Delaware Division of Public Health Regulation 4202.
Visit the Delaware Department of Education website for additional requirements, including physical exams and screenings, as well as exemptions for religious and documented medical reasons.
Adults 19 years and older
Learn more about Immunizations for Adults programs through the Division of Public Health.
Click here for more information about the Division of Public Health Immunization Program.
Vaccines for Children Program
The federal Vaccines for Children Program provides no-cost vaccines to eligible children age 18 and under who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured, or Native American/Alaska Native. The program covers vaccines recommended for children by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Click here to learn more about Delaware’s Vaccines for Children Program.
Provider Resources
Standing Order: COVID-19 vaccine eligibility
“With this standing order and our partnership with neighboring states, we are taking control of our future, ensuring that every Delawarean has access to the protection they need.”
– Delaware Governor Matt Meyer
In September 2025, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer issued a Standing Order directing the Delaware Board of Pharmacy to ensure continued, widespread access to COVID-19 vaccines for all residents aged six months and older. Additionally, House Bill 338 was introduced in 2026 to ensure state health insurance plans continue covering preventative services based on federal recommendations in place as of Jan. 1, 2025, rather than automatically adjusting to future changes in federal guidance.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccines in Delaware, talk to your primary care provider, your pharmacy, or your local public health clinic or mobile health unit.
Northeast Public Health Coalition
In September 2025, Delaware joined northeastern states in a regional public health coalition focused on developing evidence-based recommendations on vaccinations, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and supporting state public health labs.
“Through this partnership, we can apply the latest evidence to improve vaccination coverage and disease surveillance in Delaware, while aligning with neighboring states that share our common goals of protecting the public’s health.”
– Dr. Awele Maduka-Ezeh, DPH Medical Director
