• Immunization Requirements

    Why are immunizations important?

    Immunizations can protect your child against serious diseases that can make your child very sick.These diseases can even cause brain damage or death. Immunizations also protect the community. If children are not immunized, they can be a health threat to babies too young or sick to get all their shots.

    Vaccines are very safe and effective. They prevent diseases by making the immune system stronger. Babies are immunized when they are very young, because some diseases that vaccines prevent are much more dangerous for babies or young children. Sometimes children get mild reactions to the shots, like fever, a sore arm or leg, or swelling where the shot was given.Your doctor or nurse can talk about the risks with you before your children get their shots.

    By law, children in California are required to receive certain immunizations in order to attend public and private elementary and secondary schools. Schools are required to enforce immunization requirements, maintain immunization records of all children enrolled, and submit reports.

    Students Admitted to TK/K-12 Need:

    Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, Tdap, or Td) — 5 doses
    (4 doses OK if one was given on or after 4th birthday. 3 doses OK if one was given on or after 7th birthday.)
    For 7th-12th graders, at least 1 dose of pertussis-containing vaccine is required on or after 7th birthday. 

    Polio (OPV or IPV) — 4 doses
    (3 doses OK if one was given on or after 4th birthday)

    Hepatitis B — 3 doses
    (not required for 7th grade entry

    Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) — 2 doses
    (Both given on or after 1st birthday)

    Varicella (Chickenpox) — 2 doses 

    Students Starting 7th Grade Need:

    Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) —1 dose
    (Whooping cough booster usually given at 11 years and up)

    Varicella (Chickenpox) — 2 doses
    (Usually given at ages 12 months and 4-6 years)

    The TK/K-12 school requirements also typically apply to 7th grade students who:

    • Previously had a valid personal beliefs exemption filed before 2016 upon entry between TK/Kindergarten and 6th grade, or
    • Are new admissions, including from out-of-state; applies to all grades.

    California schools are required to check immunization records for all new student admissions at transitional kindergarten (TK)/Kindergarten through 12th grade and all students advancing to 7th grade before entry. Parents must show their child's Immunization Record as proof of immunization. 

    What's the difference between "Required" and "Recommended" immunizations?

    Some, but not all recommended childhood vaccines are required by California law and regulations in order to attend school. Under the California School Immunization Law (California Health and Safety Code, Sections 120325-120375), to protect the public's health, children are required to receive certain immunizations in order to attend public and private elementary and secondary schools, child care centers, family day care homes, nursery schools, day nurseries and developmental centers.

    Not all recommended immunizations are required for school, but it is still important that children receive all of them. Talk to your doctor about other recommended vaccines, including flu vaccine every year. 

    What is the "recommended" immunization schedule? 

    The recommended schedule lists the age or age range when each vaccine or series of shots is recommended. The pediatric immunization recommendations in the United States are developed by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), typically in coordination with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

    What if I can't afford vaccines or my insurance doesn't cover them?