Minimum Immunization Requirements

Upon entry or transfer into a child care or school setting, documentary proof shall be provided of adequate immunization with the prescribed number of doses of vaccine indicated below, as appropriate for the child's age:

 

Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (DTaP or DTP) - A minimum of 3 doses. A child must have at least one dose of DTaP or DTP vaccine after the fourth birthday. If the child has received six doses of DTaP or DTP before the fourth birthday, additional doses are contraindicated. DT (Diphtheria, Tetanus) vaccine is required for children who are medically exempt from the pertussis containing vaccine (DTaP or DTP). Adult Td is required for children 7 years of age and older who do not meet the minimum requirements for tetanus and diphtheria.

 

Polio Vaccine - A minimum of 3 doses of polio vaccine. If a child has had only 3 doses of polio vaccine, one dose must have been administered after the fourth birthday. However, a child who has received four doses of polio vaccine before the fourth birthday is adequately immunized and does not need a dose after the fourth birthday.

 

Haemophilus Influenza Type b (Hib) Vaccine - This vaccine is required ONLY for children up to 30 months of age. A primary series consists of either 2 or 3 doses (depending on the manufacturer) followed by a booster dose at age 12-15 months. However, the child's current age and not the number of prior doses received govern the number of doses required. Unvaccinated children between the ages of 15 and 30 months are only required to have one dose of vaccine.

Hepatitis B Vaccine - A complete series of 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine is required for all children born on and after January 1, 1994. However, the FDA has approved a 2-dose schedule ONLY for adolescents 11-15 years of age AND ONLY when the Merck Brand (RECOMBIVAX HB) Adult Formulation Hepatitis B Vaccine is used. The 2 RECOMBIVAX HB Adult doses must be separated by a minimum of 4 months. If the 3-dose hepatitis B vaccine schedule is used, there should be at least 4 months spacing between the 1st and 3rd doses.

 

NOTE: Effective July 1, 2001, all children who have not received a complete series of hepatitis B vaccine will be required to receive such immunization prior to entering the 6th grade.

 

Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine - A minimum of 2 measles, 1 mumps, and 1 rubella (Most children receive 2 doses of each because the vaccine usually administered is the combination vaccine - MMR). First dose must be administered at age 12 months (365 days) or older. If first dose is administered before 12 months of age the dose does not count and must be repeated. Second dose of measles vaccine does not have to be administered until age 4-6 years (usually at entry to kindergarten) but can be administered at any time after the minimum interval between dose 1 and dose 2. The minimum interval is 4 weeks (28 days).

 

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine - All susceptible children born on and after January 1, 1997, shall be required to have a dose of chickenpox vaccine not earlier than the age of 12 months (365 days).

 

For further information, please consult The State Board of Health's Regulations for the Immunization of School Children call the Division of Immunization at 1-800-568-1929