Parents' Guide to Immunizations
Effective Date: July 1, 2019
Source: California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
California law requires schools to verify immunization records for all new student enrollments (TK–12) and students advancing to 7th grade. An official immunization record must be provided prior to school entry.
Required Immunizations for TK–12 Enrollment
The following immunizations are required for all new admissions and transfers, including Transitional Kindergarten:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, Tdap, or Td) – 5 doses
- 4 doses acceptable if one dose was given on or after the 4th birthday
- 3 doses acceptable if one dose was given on or after the 7th birthday
- Polio (OPV or IPV) – 4 doses
- 3 doses acceptable if one dose was given on or after the 4th birthday
- Hepatitis B – 3 doses (not required for 7th-grade entry)
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) – 2 doses
- Both doses must be given on or after the 1st birthday
- Varicella (Chickenpox) – 2 doses
Additional Requirements for 7th Grade Entry
Students entering 7th grade must meet all TK–12 requirements listed above and also provide:
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) – 1 dose
- Typically administered at age 11 or older
- Must be given on or after the 7th birthday
TK–12 immunization requirements also apply to 7th-grade students who are new admissions or who had a valid personal beliefs exemption filed prior to 2016.
Summary of Required Immunizations
| Grade Level | Required Immunizations |
|---|---|
| TK–12 Enrollment | 4 Polio • 5 DTaP • 3 Hep B • 2 MMR • 2 Varicella |
| 7th–12th Grade | TK–12 requirements plus 1 Tdap |
Immunization Records
- School districts are required by law to verify immunization records prior to student attendance. Families are responsible for ensuring immunization records are complete and up to date at the time of enrollment.
- For additional information, please refer to the CDPH Parents’ Guide to Immunizations Required for School Entry.