Immunizations

Click here if you are looking for the Lowell Health Department Vaccine Clinic webpage.

Vaccines are one of the great public health advances of the 20th century and prevent hundreds of thousands of illnesses in the U.S. every year. Vaccines protect both the person vaccinated and those around them from serious diseases, a concept known as herd immunity. Herd immunity protects other members of the community, such as babies too young to be vaccinated and people who cannot receive immunizations because of a medical condition.

Childhood / School Immunizations

On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages. 

It is also important to know that the law requires children to receive certain immunizations before they can attend public school or participate in sports or other programs.

The Lowell Health Department does not offer childhood vaccines at this time. If your child needs vaccines to start school, contact your child's Primary Care Provider. The Pediatric Immunization Clinic at Lowell General Hospital also offers the vaccines needed for children to start school, serving those who do not have a Primary Care Provider and/or health insurance. Please note you will need to bring a letter from your child's school stating which vaccines they are missing.

Click here for more information about the vaccines your child needs.

Click here for information about school immunizations in Massachusetts.

Routine Vaccines for Adults

Routine vaccines are vaccines that are recommended for everyone in the United States, depending on age and vaccine history. Most people think of these as childhood vaccines that you get before starting school, but there are also routine vaccines for adolescents and adults. Check with your doctor to make sure you and your child are up-to-date with all vaccinations.

Click here for more information about the vaccines you may need as an adult.

Flu Vaccine

Influenza (flu) vaccines (often called “flu shots”) are vaccines that protect against the four influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Most flu vaccines are “flu shots” given with a needle, usually in the arm, but there also is a nasal spray flu vaccine. 

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year with rare exceptions. 

The Lowell Health Department offers free flu vaccines (regular and high dose) for people 18 years and older with or without insurance. Visit our clinic webpage for updates. You can also find out where to get a flu vaccine by visiting vaccines.gov/flu or asking your Primary Care Provider.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Everyone 6 months and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine. For more information, visit our COVID-19 Vaccine webpage.

Travel Vaccines

International travel increases your chances of getting and spreading diseases that are rare or not found in United States.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing health concerns as well as your itinerary and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

Click here for a directory of travel health specialists.

Click here for more information on how to stay healthy while traveling.