What does the law say about our children, going to school and immunizations

According to the information posted on the Center for Disease Control website, State and local vaccination requirements for daycare and school entry are important tools for maintaining high vaccination coverage rates, and in turn, lower rates of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). 

State laws establish vaccination requirements for school children. These laws often apply not only to children attending public schools but also to those attending private schools and daycare facilities. All states provide medical exemptions, and some state laws also offer exemptions for religious and/or philosophical reasons. State laws also establish mechanisms for the enforcement of school vaccination requirements and exemptions. 

Studies have shown that vaccine exemptions tend to cluster geographically, making some communities at greater risk for outbreaks. 

States can consider strengthening the rigor of the application process, frequency of submission, and enforcement as strategies to improve vaccination rates. 

In addition to state vaccination requirements, stronger health care practices such as more in-depth discussions with hesitant parents and establishing vaccination as the default are strategies to improve vaccination coverage rates. 

In summary, vaccination requirements that reach more children through a broad range of facilities, that have more requirements for receiving an exemption, that require parental documentation of exemption requests, and that are implemented with strong enforcement and monitoring may help promote higher rates of vaccination coverage, and in turn, lower rates of VPDs. Ongoing provider outreach and public education about vaccines and the diseases they prevent may also lead to an increase. 

CDC’s Public Health Law Program (PHLP) has compiled state statutes and regulations regarding school vaccinations. 

All states, the District of Columbia, and territories have vaccination requirements for children attending childcare facilities and schools. These vaccination requirements are important tools for maintaining high vaccination coverage and low rates of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Exemptions from vaccination requirements may apply to some children. 

Vaccination requirements and permitted exemptions vary by area. Please check with your state, local, and territorial health departments for more information. 

Below are the vaccines that children in America are generally required to have before starting school, except for those who get exemptions. 

Chickenpox

DTaP

Flu 

Hep A

Hep B

Hib 

HPV

Meningitis ACYW

Meningitis B 

MMR

MMRV

Polio 

TD

TDAP 

It looks like a lot of vaccines, but more often than not, the vaccines are mixed together, so your child doesn’t actually get 14 different shots. If you have any questions or need information regarding vaccinations for your child, consult with your child’s pediatrician.