Alabama requires proof of immunization through a Certificate of Immunization (COI) before your child can attend licensed childcare. Alabama is one of the earliest school-start states — many districts begin in early August — and childcare enrollment timelines follow suit. Here's every form, who fills it out, and where to get it.
Last verified: September 8, 2026
Under Alabama Code §16-30-1, children attending licensed childcare facilities must have a current Certificate of Immunization (COI) on file. The COI is issued by your child's physician or your county health department after verifying the immunization record.
Required immunizations for child care (age-appropriate):
Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) childcare licensing minimum standards require documentation that the child is in suitable health for group care. Most licensed childcare centers require a health assessment or physical exam completed by a healthcare provider, typically within the 12 months before enrollment.
Contact your specific childcare center for the form they require. Many centers accept documentation from a recent well-child visit — bring a copy of the visit summary along with the COI.
(Source: Alabama Department of Human Resources — Child Care; DHR Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers, accessed Aug 31, 2026)
If you've lost your child's immunization record, the Alabama Immunization Registry (AIR) is the recovery tool. Most Alabama providers report doses to AIR. Contact your pediatrician or county health department to request a printout. An AIR printout shows every dose on file and can be used to issue a replacement COI.
For children who received some doses outside Alabama, bring documentation of those doses so your Alabama provider can enter them into AIR.
(Source: Alabama Department of Public Health — Immunization Division, accessed Aug 31, 2026)
Camp health form requirements in Alabama depend on the type of program:
Licensed childcare centers need a COI and a health assessment. Camps may have their own health forms. Call ahead and get the exact list before the doctor visit. Alabama's early start dates mean deadlines hit in July for many programs.
Bring any program-specific forms. Your pediatrician can update immunizations, complete the health assessment, issue the COI, and print an AIR record — all in one visit.
Turn in completed forms to the childcare center or camp office. Keep copies of everything — the same COI works for school enrollment.
Every person in your family gets a private @families.familystork.com email address. Give it to your pediatrician — they send records to it, and the health story builds itself. The immunization record, physical exam results, every vaccine date — all filed automatically into one timeline.
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Alabama recognizes medical and religious exemptions from childcare immunization requirements under Alabama Code §16-30-3. Medical exemptions require certification from a licensed physician. Religious exemptions require a written statement from the parent or guardian. Alabama does not recognize a philosophical or personal belief exemption. For current forms and processes, contact your county health department or the Alabama Department of Public Health.
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