California law mandates that all children entering school must receive proper immunizations to safeguard against serious illnesses and prevent the spread of communicable diseases such as polio, measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), diphtheria, tetanus, Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib meningitis), and whooping cough.

Proof of current immunizations is required for enrollment, except in cases of homelessness or documented medical exemptions. Schools in California must verify immunization records for new students entering Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten through 12th grade and students advancing to 7th grade. Parents must provide their child's immunization record as evidence of compliance. Starting July 1, 2019, students seeking admission must meet the immunization requirements.

Students admitted to TK/K-12 need:

• 5 doses – Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, Tdap, or TD). 4 doses are ok if one was given on or after the student's fourth birthday. 3 doses are ok if one was given on or after the student's seventh birthday. For seven through 12th graders, at least 1 dose of pertussis containing vaccine is required on or after the student's seventh birthday.
• 4 doses – Polio (OPV or IPV). 3 doses ok if one was given on or after the student’s fourth birthday.
• 3 doses – Hepatitis B. Not required for seventh grade entry.
• 2 doses – Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR).
• 2 doses – Varicella (Chickenpox).

Students starting seventh grade need:

• One dose – Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap).
• Whooping cough booster is usually given at 11 years and up.
• 2 doses – Varicella (Chickenpox) – usually given at age 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.

For more information regarding required immunizations, please refer to the information available on the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch page, linked below.

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