School Vaccination Requirements
Children attending day care and pre-K through 12 th grade in New York State must receive all required doses of vaccines on the recommended schedule in order to attend or remain in school. This is true unless they have a valid medical exemption to immunization. This includes all public, private, and religious schools. A medical exemption is allowed when a child has a medical condition that prevents them from receiving a vaccine. There are no nonmedical exemptions to school vaccine requirements in NYS. For more information about Medical Exemptions visit the Child Care Programs, Schools and Post-Secondary Institutions.
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) establishes the recommended vaccine schedule and determines when vaccines are due.
Important school immunization information
Within 14 days of the first day of school or day care, parents must:
- Show proof of their child's up-to-date vaccinations, OR
- Provide a valid medical exemption from vaccination.
In order to attend or remain in school or day care, children who are unvaccinated or overdue must receive at least the first dose of all required vaccines within the first 14 days. They also must receive subsequent vaccines in the series within a 14-day period of when they are due to complete the immunization series.
Vaccines required for day care, pre-K, and school attendance
- Diphtheria and Tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine and Pertussis vaccine (DTaP or Tdap)
- Hepatitis B vaccine
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine (MMR)
- Polio vaccine
- Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine
Additional vaccines required for middle school and high school
- Tdap vaccine for Grades 6-12
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) for Grades 7-12
- Students in Grade 12 need an additional booster dose of MenACWY on or after their 16 th birthday
Additional vaccines required for day care and pre-K
Common vaccine questions
- Is it safe for my child to have more than one shot at a time? Yes! Scientific data show that getting multiple vaccines at the same time is safe. It also means fewer doctor's office visits which can be less stressful for your child.
- How do I know vaccines are safe? The U.S. has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in its history, and vaccine safety systems to ensure that vaccines are as safe as possible.
- Why are so many doses needed for each vaccine? Depending on the vaccine, your child will need more than one dose to build high enough immunity to prevent disease or to boost immunity that fades over time. Every dose is important because each protects against infectious diseases that can be especially serious for infants and children.
- Is it more natural for my child to get the disease than a vaccine? Some diseases give your child future protection from that disease, but they also can make your child very sick, and they could spread it to other loved ones. Vaccines protect your child against future infections without making them sick.
- How can I help my child relax at their next vaccine visit?9 Things to Make Shots Less Stressful for You and Your Baby
Additional Information
- Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance for the 2023-24 School Year
- Common Vaccine Safety Questions and Concerns, CDC
