Immunizations Required for School

Immunizations Required for Entrance to Pre-Kindergarten & School

In California, children are required to receive certain immunizations in order to attend pre-kindergarten (child care), elementary and secondary schools. The Immunization Branch website has more information for families, including a Parents’ Guide to Immunizations Required for Pre-Kindergarten and a Parents’ Guide to Immunizations Required for School Entry.

Pre-schools and schools check immunization records before new children/students are enrolled and when students advance from 6th grade to 7th grade. Helpful tip: Parents should schedule health exams with their child’s doctor or clinic within the year before the immunization records are required (e.g., during 6th grade for the 7th grade entry requirement). Don’t wait for the summer or the start of school, as few appointments may be available.

Parents must show their child’s Immunization Record as proof of immunization. This includes:

• All new children and student admissions to Pre-K and TK/Kindergarten through 12th grade.
• All students entering to 7th grade need a Tdap and 2 doses of Varicella vaccine before entry.

Parents of children and teens with health coverage/insurance should contact their child’s doctor or clinic to schedule a health exam or an immunization appointment. Parents of children without health coverage should read the Health Coverage Options for Children Without Insurance section below for more information.