The Department of Health has changed school immunization regulations for this school year to ensure that children attending school are adequately protected against potential outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. A student must have all required, medically-appropriate vaccines or a plan to complete those vaccines or risk not being permitted to attend school.†
The following table lists the number of doses required by grade level:
| Immunization | Grades 9-11 | Grade 12 |
| Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis | 5 | same |
| Polio | 4 | same |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella | 2 | same |
| Hepatitis B | 3 | same |
| Varicella (vaccine or disease history) | 2 | same |
| Meningococcal | 1 | 2* |
*Only 1 dose of Meningococcal is required if the first dose is given at age 16 or older.
New regulations require a meningococcal immunization (also known as MCV or meningitis shot) as well as an additional dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis (also known as TDAP or DTAP).
Please compare your student’s immunization record to the requirements above, ensure that s/he receives any missing immunizations as soon as possible, and bring a complete immunization record to the school.
If a student does not have the required doses mentioned above on the first day of school, they must receive the next dose (if medically appropriate) or have a parent/guardian provide a Medical Certificate (the official Department of Health form setting out the immunization plan for a student who is not fully immunized) if the next dose is not the final dose of the series or the next dose is not medically appropriate, within the first 5 days of school.
If you are interested in receiving free or low-cost immunizations, please check:
Medical and Dental Examinations
All students are also required to have physical and dental examination records on file with the school. Physical exams are required in grades 6 and 11. Dental examinations are required in grade 7. However, all students must have their latest examination record on file at the school regardless of current grade level. If you have not provided the school with both medical and dental examination records, please do so.
If your student will be entering 11th grade this year, s/he must have a new physical exam conducted. The exam must have occurred on July 1, 2018 or later. Please bring a completed examination form to the school.
† A student may still obtain a medical, religious, or philosophical exemption from immunization by providing documentation to the school. However, even if exempt, a student may be removed from school during an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease.
