Health Department

Child Vaccinations

Immunizations are vital in protecting our children from many potentially serious diseases. Nationally, mandatory childhood immunizations programs have resulted in the elimination or reduction of many diseases including measles, chickenpox, HIB meningitis and polio. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that immunizations prevent between 2 to 3 million deaths every year.

We provide immunizations for children based on the National Immunization Schedule recommended by the CDC. Click below to view a list of the recommended immunizations for:

• Children from birth - 6 years of age ( en español )
• Children from 7 - 18 years of age ( en español )

There is a $15.00 administration fee, which may be covered by your insurance. We accept credit cards, cash and check.

Tennessee State law requires parental or legal guardian consent prior to administering vaccines to minors. A parent or legal guardian should be present for any vaccine appointment. If the parent or legal guardian is unable to be present for the appointment, please call the clinic for instructions.

Back-To-School Vaccinations

• Vaccines and immunization certificates are available at your pediatrician’s office or the Knox County Health Department. To see if your child has proof of the required vaccines, you may contact the medical office or clinic where your child receives vaccinations, or you may call 865-215-5150.
• Immunization requirements by grade according to the TN Department of Health

Need a vaccine?

To have your child vaccinated at the health department, please call 865-215-5070 to schedule an appointment.

• Please bring your (parent/guardian’s) photo ID, insurance card and your child’s vaccination record.
• For questions about legal guardianship, please call 865-215-5070.
• Most insurance plans cover preventive services such as vaccines, but parents are encouraged to confirm this with their insurance provider prior to the appointment.
• Vaccines are available to children who do not have insurance at no cost. There is a minimal fee for administration.

Appointments are available at each KCHD location:

• Main Offices and the Travel and Immunization Clinic, 140 Dameron Avenue, 865-215-5070
• West Clinic, 1028 Old Cedar Bluff, 865-215-5950

More Information

For more information about Knox County Schools’ immunization policy, please call 865-594-3735 or visit the Health Services page on the Knox County Schools website at knoxschools.org.

To see if your child has the required immunizations, contact the medical office or clinic where your child receives vaccinations. You may also contact the Knox County Health Department at 865-215-5150 or health@knoxcounty.org.

Vaccines for Children Program

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program is a national program that provides federally-funded vaccine for children 18 years of age and younger who:

• Are enrolled in TennCare,
• Have no health insurance,
• Are underinsured, or
• Are American Indian or Alaskan Native.

Federal VFC law requires that proper documentation of patient eligibility for VFC vaccine be provided at every immunization visit. This means that insurance status and vaccine coverage must be confirmed at each immunization visit for all children under 19 years of age.

Due to this requirement, every immunization patient under 19 must provide insurance information and must know whether or not his or her insurance covers the requested immunization. Without the needed information, the patient will be asked to come back to receive immunization services when he or she has the necessary information.