Information for Parents
The information below is to help parents learn about the required immunizations for the 2012-13 School Year.
What immunizations does my child need for school?
Immunization required for 7th grade:
Immunizations required to enter Kindergarten:
- Polio
- DTaP
- MMR
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
For more information about the required number of doses and ages that vaccines must be given, review the Guide to Immunizations Required for Grades K-12.
Talk to your doctor about recommended childhood and adolescent vaccines or download The Parent’s Guide to Childhood Vaccines. Visit ShotByShot.org to hear stories about the diseases prevented by these vaccines.
Where can I find information about 7th grade whooping cough vaccine (Tdap) requirement?
English | Spanish | Other languages (coming soon)
What’s the difference between “Required” and “Recommended” immunizations?
Some vaccines are required for students by California law to protect their health. Your child will need clear documentation of having received these required vaccines for school.
Some vaccines are recommended by physicians and other child health experts to protect children against serious illnesses. Not all recommended immunizations are required for school, but it is still important that children receive all of them. Talk to your doctor about recommended childhood and adolescent vaccines or download The Parent’s Guide to Childhood Vaccines.
Where can I find information about exemptions to vaccine requirements? Click on the link.
What if I can’t afford vaccines or my insurance doesn’t cover them?
The California Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program is a federally-funded and state-operated program that provides vaccines for eligible children at no cost. Find a VFC provider in your area using the locator below. For uninsured or underinsured patients, parents can find a list of federally qualified health centers in their area at http://www.oshpd.ca.gov/RHPC/Clinics/FQHCS.html. Children enrolled in California’s Healthy Families plan receive free immunizations with no copayment.
Many local health departments offer free or low-cost vaccines. Your local pharmacy may also give Tdap and other vaccines for a fee.
For more information, consult your doctor.