The NC Immunization Branch promotes public health through the identification and elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases like polio, hepatitis B, measles, chickenpox, pertussis (whooping cough), rubella and (German measles). Our goal is for all North Carolinians to be up-to-date with their immunizations across their lifespan. Ensuring high immunization levels protects families and communities from preventable illness and disease outbreaks. We draw upon the expertise of local governments, school and community leaders, and healthcare providers across the state to ensure that all North Carolinians have equitable access to the vaccines they need to stay healthy.

Latest News

The CDC Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program supports no-cost COVID-19 testing for people who are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. For more information click here.

2023 NCDHHS VFC Virtual Trainings

Many thanks to those who attended the 2023 NCDHHS VFC Virtual Training on March 28 or April 4. The sessions were recorded and links will be available in May 2023 through June 2024. CEU credits will be available. We will communicate once those links are available!

NC Immunization Branch Strategic Plan, 2023-2030

The North Carolina Immunization Branch has released our seven-year strategic plan, beginning now and continuing through 2030. Click here to review the plan.

CDC Update: Clinical Considerations for Providers Caring for Newcomers from Ukraine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is supporting the arrival of displaced Ukrainians across the U.S. Please review CDC's Interim Clinical Considerations for Providers Caring for Newcomers from Ukraine for important information, including immunization recommendations and key provider resources addressing potentially common, communicable diseases that may be present among this population. Click here for additional information.

2023 ACIP Recommended Immunization Schedules Released

The 2023 ACIP Recommended Immunization Schedules were released February 17, 2023. In collaboration with healthcare partners, CDC has updated versions of the recommended U.S. immunization schedules for children and teens as well as for adults. Several additional formats of the schedules, including parent-friendly versions, are available on the newly redesigned and improved CDC Immunization Schedules website . Included are the following:

• Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons Aged 0 Through 18 Years, U.S., 2023
• Recommended Immunization Schedule for Adults Aged 19 Years and Older, U.S., 2023

2023 ‘You Call the Shots’ Training Modules

‘You Call the Shots’ is an interactive, web-based immunization training course for healthcare providers that discuss vaccine-preventable diseases and explain the latest recommendations for vaccine use. The following modules have been updated to include the latest guidelines and recommendations in vaccine practice:

• Updated Storage and Handling 2023
• Updated Vaccines for Children Program 2023

Visit the webpage for more information. 

NC’s COVID-19 Dashboard

For the latest about COVID-19 in North Carolina, visit the NCDHHS COVID-19 website.  Here you will find the up-to-date guidance for vaccines and boosters, a data dashboard, and the information you need to stay safe and slow the spread.  Guidance and materials for special groups – such as schools, businesses, and parents – are included.