Immunizations

Childhood vaccinations
Childhood vaccinations are given at tipat chalav (well-baby clinics) and in school. Your child will come home from the hospital with a vaccination booklet (pinkas chisunim) if born in Israel. If born abroad, a booklet will be issued at your first tipat chalav visit. It is imperative that you bring this booklet every time you take your child to be vaccinated, as by law your child cannot be vaccinated without it. Vaccinating your child is not required by law in Israel. The table below shows the recommended ages for childhood vaccinations.

Recommended ages for childhood vaccinations

Chicken pox
The chicken pox (varicella) vaccine is available in Israel to children age one and above, who have not yet had chicken pox. In order to receive the vaccine, one should obtain a hafnaya (referral) for the vaccine from the child’s pediatrician. Then one should go to the nurses’ office at the local kupat cholim for the vaccination. There is a nominal co-payment for this vaccination.

The flu vaccine
The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months. It is recommended that certain individuals get vaccinated each year: people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications. Those at high risk for complications from the flu include children aged six months through five years, pregnant women, people aged 50 and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, and people who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.

In order to receive the flu shot in Israel, one should go to the nurses’ office at the local kupat cholim, where they will administer the vaccination. There is a nominal co-payment for the flu vaccine (12 NIS as of 11/1/2006).

Immunizations for foreign travel
In general, immunizations are recommended for travel to Africa, Asia and Central and South America. In order to be immunized, one should contact the district health office up to six weeks before your departure. A list of the district health offices, along with their telephone numbers and hours can be found at http://www.health.gov.il/pages/default.asp?maincat=73&catid=605&pageid=3455. Co-payments are required for this service.