Immunization is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the body's own immune system to protect the person against subsequent infection or disease.
Herd immunity is achieved when a large number of people in the community are immune to disease, ideally this is accomplished through vaccination rather than disease. Herd immunity is important in order to protect the health of our community in general but, particularly for:
SB 277, which became effective January 1, 2016, prevents exemptions for required vaccines for school or childcare entry. Personal Belief Exemptions in place before January 1, 2016 will be honored until the next immunization checkpoint, at entrance to transitional kindergarten/kindergarten and 7th grade.
School/Child Care Requirements
Vaccine Information Resources
Immunization Materials & Information
The following materials con be ordered by calling (831) 454-4645 or emailing us:
Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
Questions About Immunizations?
Call the Santa Cruz County Immunization Program (831) 454-4645 or Click here to send email
Immunization Services
Immunization Materials
National Immunization Hotline
(800)-232-2522 (English) (800)-232-0233 (Spanish)
Immunization in the NEWS
CDC STUDY SHOWS NO LINK BETWEEN VACCINES AND AUTISM