Frequently Asked Questions

Are immunizations safe?

Reactions to the shots may occur, but they are rarely serious. The site may be tender to touch for a few days. Remember that the risk in not immunizing your child is far greater than the risk of a serious reaction.

Do immunizations work?

YES! If your child gets the right shots at the right times, you can greatly reduce the chances of getting these diseases.

Why should I get my child immunized?

Your child needs shots for protection against very bad diseases that can cause rashes, fevers, coughing, choking, brain damage, heart problems, crippling, deafness, blindness, and even death. Most parents of young children today have never seen a case of measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, or tetanus. If we don’t see these diseases, it can be hard to understand why it is important to protect against them. Vaccines are still given for three reasons:

  • To prevent common infections
    Some diseases are so common in this country that a choice not to vaccinate is a choice to get the disease. For example, choosing not to get the chickenpox vaccine is a choice to risk serious and occasionally fatal infection from chickenpox.
  • To prevent infections that could easily reemerge
    Some diseases in this country continue to occur at very low levels (for example, measles, mumps, rubella, and Hib). If immunization rates in our schools or communities are low, outbreaks of these diseases are likely to occur.
  • To prevent infections that are more common in other parts of the world
    Although some diseases have been completely eliminated (polio) or virtually eliminated (diphtheria) from this country, they still occur in other parts of the world. Children are commonly paralyzed by polio in India or killed by diphtheria in Russia. Because there is a high rate of international travel into and out of the United States, outbreaks of these diseases are only a plane ride away.
Where should I go to get my child immunized?

Immunizations are provided at all three of the Tillamook County Health Centers, and at various outreach clinics in the county. Check out our Immunizations page for more information.

When should my child get immunized?

Children need to get immunized when they are babies. Many parents think that children don’t need shots until they are ready to enter school. That’s not true! Children need most of their shots during their first two years, starting at birth or when they’re two months old. Children who are behind on their shots need to get immunized to “catch up” and be protected.

What if I don't have money to pay for shots?

Even if you don’t have the money to pay for them, your public health clinic offers shots at a very low cost. At the Tillamook County Community Health Centers, no one is denied service based on the inability to pay.

What immunizations does my child need?

Be sure to check out the latest immunization schedules here: Immunization Schedules (CDC)

What are the 7th grade shot requirements?

As of the 2008-2009 school year, the state of Oregon is requiring additional shots for school attendance. All Oregon 7th graders need these additional shots:

  • Tdap
What are the childcare facility shot requirements?

Children in childcare and those entering kindergarten will need these additional shots:

  • Hepatitis A series (2)
What are the most vaccine-preventable childhood diseases?

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B, Polio, Chickenpox

More information about these diseases can be found on our Immunizations page.

Where can I get my questions about immunization answered?

Contact any one of our health centers with any immunization questions you have.

View our Contact Information

Where can I get a flu shot?

Check out our Flu Clinics page for the most recent schedule and the flu vaccine finder.

Where can I get a pregnancy test?

More information about pregnancy tests and contraceptives can be found on our Family Planning page.

What are Emergency Contraception Pills?

More information about pregnancy tests and contraceptives can be found on our Family Planning page.

What is WIC (Supplemental Nutrition Program)?

Find out on our WIC (Supplemental Nutrition Program) page.

How does Community Nursing help pregnant women, new mothers, and infants?

Visit our Maternity Case Management page for more information.

How do I know if I am at high risk for HIV?

Visit our HIV/Ryan White page for more information.

How do I get a Food Handler’s Card?

Visit our Food Handlers Card page for more information.

When and where can I take the food handler’s test?

Visit our Food Handlers Card page for more information.

How much will it cost to have my restaurant inspected and licensed?

View the current Environmental Health Fees document.

What are the requirements for temporary for-profit food service events?

View our Temporary Food Booths page for more information.

What are the requirements for temporary non-profit food service events?

View our Temporary Food Booths page for more information.

Who can I call to get a birth record?

View our Vital Statistic page for more information.

Who can I call to get a death record?

View our Vital Statistic page for more information.

Where are the County Health Centers?

View our Contact Us page for more information.