Infectious Diseases

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 23 million Americans seek medical treatment each year for infectious diseases. Infectious diseases are extremely common and can affect anyone, but those with weakened immune systems have an increased risk of exposure.

Through funding from the State of Louisiana and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, LDH’s Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program (IDEpi) was developed to track the causes and consequences of infectious diseases. Louisiana residents can contact IDEPI 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-256-2748.


Get Informed

Bureau of Infectious Diseases (BID)

The Bureau of Infectious Diseases (BID) is comprised of five programs/sections: STI/HIV/Hepatitis, TB Control and Prevention, Immunization, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, and Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Patients can request copies of their vaccination records from their healthcare providers or from their local Public Health Unit (PHU). Louisiana residents can also register for LA MyIR to access records digitally. For MyIR support, call 1-844-211-0215 or submit a request.

Babies are born with immune systems that have the ability to fight many germs, but they are not strong enough to fight all infections. Vaccines reinforce a child’s immune system to help prevent and protect against many serious, and even deadly, illnesses. More resources are available through Shots for Tots, Louisiana’s infant immunization initiative.

Yes. In 1980, the Section of Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology (SEET) was established to address morbidity and mortality associated with environmental chemicals. SEET investigates the health effects of chemical exposures in populations. It supports, collaborates and participates in environmental health research. Learn more on SEET efforts.

Vaccines.gov can help Louisiana residents locate pharmacies in their area. Because every pharmacy location handles appointments differently, residents will need to schedule their appointments directly. Most vaccinations are covered by health insurance. Learn more about how to pay for vaccines.

For children to attend school, Louisiana state law requires that children receive specific vaccines according to their vaccine schedule. For a list of required vaccines.

Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D.

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

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