Parents' Guide to Immunizations
Parent's Guide to Immunizations Required for School Entry (CDPH)
Starting July 1, 2019
Students Admitted at 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
These immunization requirements apply to new admissions and transfers for all grades, including transitional kindergarten.
Students Starting 7th Grade Need:
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) - 1 dose
- Whooping cough booster is usually given at 11 years and up
Varicella (Chickenpox) - 2 doses
- Usually given at ages 12-months and 4-6 years
In addition, the TK/K-12 immunization requirements apply to 7th graders who:
- previously had a valid personal beliefs exemption filed before 2016 upon entry between TK/Kindergarten and 6th grade
- are new admissions
Records:
California schools are required to check immunization records for all new student admissions at 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.