District of Columbia

Ensuring timely vaccinations is crucial for the health of both mothers and their children. In Washington, DC, recommended maternal vaccines and a comprehensive childhood immunization schedule help protect families from serious and preventable diseases. Below is detailed information on these vaccinations and the resources available in DC.

Vaccinations in Washington, DC
Vaccinations for Pregnant Women
Vaccinations during pregnancy protect both the mother and the baby by passing antibodies to the infant before birth. Recommended vaccines include:

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Safe at any stage of pregnancy, the flu vaccine protects against seasonal influenza. Pregnant women should receive the inactivated flu shot, not the nasal spray.
Tdap Vaccine: Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). It is recommended during each pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks, to maximize protection for newborns.
COVID-19 Vaccine: Recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications for both mother and baby.
RSV Vaccine (Maternal RSV): Recommended between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, typically during RSV season (fall and winter), to help protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus during their first six months of life.

Vaccinations for Children
Washington, DC follows the CDC-recommended childhood immunization schedule, which includes:

Hepatitis B: At birth, 1–2 months, and 6–18 months
DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): At 2, 4, 6, and 15–18 months; booster at 4–6 years
Polio (IPV): At 2, 4, 6–18 months, and 4–6 years
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): At 12–15 months and 4–6 years
Varicella (Chickenpox): At 12–15 months and 4–6 years
Hepatitis A: Two doses between 12–23 months, at least 6 months apart
HPV Vaccine: Recommended starting at ages 11–12, typically a two-dose series

DC law also requires certain vaccinations for school and child care enrollment, with limited medical or religious exemptions.

Where to Get Vaccinated or Vaccination Support
DC Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program: Provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children under 19 through participating healthcare providers. Eligible groups include uninsured or underinsured children, Medicaid recipients, and American Indian/Alaska Native children. Learn more

Local Public Health Clinics and Community Health Centers: Many DC clinics offer free or low-cost vaccines for children, pregnant women, and adults, regardless of insurance status.

DC Department of Health (DC Health) Immunization Program: Provides vaccine guidance, provider referrals, and public health immunization services. DC Health also leads immunization outreach and education efforts across the city. Learn more

Medicaid and DC Healthy Families: Vaccines for eligible children and pregnant women are covered at no cost through DC Medicaid and the DC Healthy Families program.

Washington, DC supports maternal and child health through evidence-based vaccination recommendations, school immunization requirements, and accessible public health programs. By staying up to date on recommended vaccines and using DC’s immunization resources, families can protect both mothers and children from serious, preventable diseases.