Important Immunization Services Update

The goal of the Immunization Program is to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases that affect people of all ages in Detroit. We work to make immunization services accessible and increase the number of Detroit children who get needed vaccines on schedule. We participate in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, and do outreach and education in the community on why vaccines are important. 

The Detroit Health Department's Immunizations Program provides immunizations at its 100 Mack Avenue location for children and adults.  At the Immunizations Clinic you will be able to get a history of your shot records (upon request) and receive vaccine education upon the receipt of service.

Vaccines for Adults

The Immunization Program also offers adult vaccines. We participate in the Michigan Adult Vaccine Program (MI-AVP), which provides vaccines to uninsured adults who meet certain qualifications. We are also a part of the High Risk Hepatitis A & B Program. This program offers Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccination to high risk adults, regardless of insurance status. Vaccines are also available for insured adults.

• Learn more about the Michigan Adult Vaccine Program.
• Learn more about the Hepatitis A Vaccine Program.

Vaccines for Children

The VFC Program helps provide vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them. This helps ensure that all children have a better chance of getting their recommended vaccinations on schedule. These vaccines protect babies, young children, and adolescents from the following 16 diseases:

• Chicken Pox (Varicella)
• COVID-19
• Influenza
• Diphtheria
• Haemophillis Influenza type B (HIB)
• Polio
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Tetanus
• Rotavirus
• Pneumococcal
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
• Meningitis (Meningococcal)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B

Non-Medical Waiver Information

In December 2014, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules approved a new educational requirement for Michigan parents opting their children out of getting vaccinated before entering school and childcare centers.

The new rule allows parents/guardians to have the opportunity to speak with a health educator from their local health department about their concerns and questions regarding immunizations prior to the nonmedical waiver being signed.

Any parent/guardian who wants to claim a nonmedical waiver can receive education regarding the benefits of vaccination and the risks of disease from a local health department.

• DHD provides the required educational sessions for Detroit residents and/or those students attending Detroit childcare facilities and/or schools at no cost, but appointments are required. 
• The 30-minute education session will include information on the risks of not receiving vaccines and the benefits of vaccination to the individual and the community which will allow parents to make an informed choice for their child.

Parents/guardians deciding to immunize their child will be able to do so after the education session at the DHD clinic or their own doctor. If the parent/guardian still wants to waive one or more vaccines, DHD staff will provide a certified waiver. The parents will be required to provide the certified waiver to their child’s school.

Schedule Your Appointment
You may schedule your appointment by calling 313-876-IMMS (4667). Appointments are available year-round. Don’t wait until the summer rush or back to school time because appointments fill up quickly.

More Information

• Key Points for Parents and Guardians (PDF) from MDHHS.
• Frequently Asked Questions for Parents and Guardians (PDF) from MDHHS.
• Frequently Asked Questions for Schools and Childcare Centers (PDF) from MDHHS.
• Health care providers, please visit Immunization Waiver Information provided by the MDHHS. 

Contact Information

To get vaccines for your child, call