Frequently Asked Questions – School and Childcare Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions – School and Childcare Requirements

FAQ – School and Childcare Requirements

What vaccines are required for TK and K–12 school entry in California?

California schools check records for all new admissions and transfers in TK/K–12:

  • 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. Oral polio vaccine [OPV] doses
      given on or after April 1, 2016, do not count.
  • Hepatitis B — 3 doses
    • Required at admission to any grade except 7th grade
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) — 2 doses
    • Both given on or after 1st birthday
  • Varicella (Chickenpox) — 2 doses
    • The TK/K–12 immunization requirements apply to new admissions and transfers for
      all grades, including 7th grade, and students whose exemptions are no longer valid.

Students Advancing to 7th Grade Need Records of:

  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) —1 dose
  • (Whooping cough booster usually given at 11 years and up)

For more info, please see CDPH’s webpage.

Is there a separate requirement for 7th grade?

Yes. Students advancing to 7th grade must have 1 dose of Tdap on or after the 7th birthday.

What vaccines are required for childcare and preschool in California?

Childcare and preschool requirements vary by age at entry and ongoing age “checkpoints.” In general, requirements include Polio, DTaP, Hep B, Hib (only for children under 5), plus MMR and Varicella after the 1st birthday.

Age When Admitted Number of Doses Required of Each Immunization
2 through 3 Months 1 Polio, 1 DTaP, 1 Hep B, 1 Hib
4 through 5 Months 2 Polio, 2 DTaP, 2 Hep B, 2 Hib
6 through 14 Months 2 Polio, 3 DTaP, 2 Hep B, 2 Hib
15 through 17 Months 3 Polio, 3 DTaP, 2 Hep B, 1 Varicella
On or after 1st birthday: 1 Hib*, 1 MMR
18 through 5 years 3 Polio, 4 DTaP, 3 Hep B, 1 Varicella
On or after 1st birthday: 1 Hib*, 1 MMR

*One Hib dose must be given on or after the 1stbirthday, regardless of previous doses. Required only for children younger than 5 years old.

Polio = inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) (oral polio vaccine [OPV] does not count)
DTaP = diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine
Hib = Haemophilus influenzae, type B vaccine
Hep B = hepatitis B vaccine
MMR = measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine
Varicella = chickenpox vaccine

What counts as proof for school or childcare entry?

Parents must show an immunization record as proof for TK/K–12 admissions and 7th grade advancement. You can also visit California’s Digital Vaccine Record (DVR) for an official record that can be used for school or childcare entry.

What if my child is behind on vaccines, can they still start school or childcare?

Sometimes. A child who is behind may be admitted conditionally if they’ve received some required vaccines and aren’t currently due for a dose, or if they have a temporary medical exemption. Schools and childcare sites must follow the conditional admission schedule. For more information, visit CDPH’s website.

Are personal belief exemptions allowed in California?

No. For students in schools and children in childcare facilities (public or private), California no longer allows personal beliefs exemptions for currently required vaccines.

How do medical exemptions work in California?

Medical exemptions are allowed, and since January 1, 2021, new medical exemptions must be issued through CAIR-ME by a California licensed MD or DO. For more  information, please visit CDPH’s website.

Where can I find the official California checklists for school or childcare requirements?