Immunizations

Immunization services are offered on a walk-in basis, providing both routine and specialized vaccines for active-duty service members, retirees, and their dependents.

Services Offered:

The Immunization Clinic provides the following services: 

• Routine vaccinations for infants, teens, adolescents, and adults 

• Tuberculosis (TB) skin testing (PPD) 

• Travel vaccinations, including typhoid 

• Pre-exposure rabies vaccinations 

• The Japanese Encephalitis and anthrax vaccines are available for active-duty service members and personnel on official orders.

PPD Skin Testing:

• The PPD test (Purified Protein Derivative) is a screening test used to detect the tuberculosis (TB) infection.  Tuberculosis skin testing is performed on a walk-in basis Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
• PPD skin tests are NOT performed on Thursdays, weekends, holidays, or any day that does NOT allow for 48-72 hours for a READING after administration.

COVID-19 Vaccine:

COVID-19 Vaccine Spikevax (Moderna) – available for 12 years and older (no appointment needed)

General information:

For general information about vaccine schedules, travel recommendations, and vaccine education, please refer to the following resources: 

Center for Disease Control (CDC) Travel Health: 
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

Vaccine Information and Education:
https://www.immunize.org/
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html

Frequently asked questions:

What do I need to bring?
Documentation is a critical aspect of your visit to ensure that you receive the appropriate immunizations at the right intervals. Only official immunization records issued by a health care provider will be accepted. If you possess a shot card, please bring it with you, and we will gladly update it for you.

Do I need an appointment?
We see all patients on a walk-in basis. It is recommended that children up to 18 months of age have a current well-child exam prior to receiving immunizations.

How long is the wait?
There is paperwork that must be done for each patient and each record is screened.  Sometimes, it takes more than one staff member to care for a patient at a time. Wait times may vary. Please bring immunization records to every visit.  During flu season, October to May, you may experience extended wait times.

When will I need my next shots?
After receiving services in the clinic, you will be informed of the next doses and dates due of the vaccines.  Active duty members need to follow a set schedule to remains medically ready during their service.  The immunization clinic can provide other beneficiaries documentation of their next shot.

When will my PPD be read?
PPD test (Purified Protein Derivative) is a screening test used to detect tuberculosis (TB) infection.  All PPDs are read within 48-72 hours.   It must be read in person by immunization clinic staff for documentation accuracy and consistency.

What if I am PPD positive?
Positive PPD test (Purified Protein Derivative) results may vary depending on the individuals risk category.  It must be read in person to measure the site.  You may have been exposed to or come in contact with someone with Tuberculosis.  Further tests will be needed to assess your overall health.  There is also medication that may need to be prescribed over an extended period of time.  Individuals who have had the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine, a vaccine primarily used against tuberculosis (TB), will still receive PPD as baseline documentation, unless previous documentation is provided.  Our staff is happy to assist and provide additional education. 

How do I get a new "shot card?"
The PHS-731 (yellow shot card) is available to all.  Please bring us any outside medical record and any other verifying information to prove immunization history.  All immunizations must have dates and signatures to be valid.  In some cases, other research can be done to verify immunization history.  Please allow up to 72 hours to process this request and we will call you when it is complete.

Can I just have someone look at my child's record?
Yes, Immunization staff can review your child's immunization record and provide you with a list of required and upcoming vaccines. Each patient's record is carefully screened for completeness and accuracy.

Can I have a friend bring in my child?
If you are unable to provide care for your child due to an absence, please get a "Power of Attorney" designating a guardian for the child. Powers of Attorney can be obtained through Navy Legal at 559-998-3888 on a walk-in basis, Monday through Thursday, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Please bring two forms of identification to facilitate the acquisition of the Power of Attorney. This documentation must be presented at the time of service, and a copy will be placed in the medical record.

I am going to a foreign country. What do I need?
For foreign travel, before you travel, take steps to prepare, make sure that you are up to date on your routine vaccines. Visit CDC travel page at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination. Do this at least one month before travel. 

To obtain travel-related vaccinations, please visit the immunization clinic where we will review your records and provide vaccine recommendations tailored to your travel destination. It is essential to bring any vaccination-related documents that you possess. For optimal immunity, we recommend completing this process at least four weeks prior to your departure.

Schedule an appointment with your provider (PCM) 4-6 weeks before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.