Immunizations

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

The intent of immunization regulations is to keep children healthy and in school. 28 Pa.Code, Chapter 23, Subchapter C requires all children in any grade, kindergarten through 12th, including all public, private, parochial, intermediate unit, and home schooled students, show proof of immunization before they can attend school in the Commonwealth.

The certified school nurse is required to ensure all students’ immunizations are in compliance with 28 Pa. Code, Chapter 23, Subchapter C in regard to minimum requirements, scheduling, and proper spacing between immunization doses.

 

New PA Immunization Regulations effective since the 2017-18 School Year require additional immunizations for attendance in all grades K-12. (please click Here for parent flyer noting new requirements)  Current regulations now require:

  • 4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis(1 dose on or after the 4th birthday)

  • 4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after the 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given)

  • 2 doses measles, mumps, rubella (usually given at MMR)

  • 3 doses of hepatitis B

  • 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) or evidence of immunity

 For attendance in 7th grade:

*New Requirement:

 

Children entering 7th grade will be expected to have the required Tdap dose at 11-12 years of age. Those not meeting this immunization schedule will risk exclusion from attending school. Proof must be provided by the first day of school:

  • 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Dose must be given at 11-12 years of age)

  • 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine

For attendance in 12th grade:

  • 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine

All students must meet the Pennsylvania School Immunization Regulation and Schedule.  If these requirements are not met, your child in grades K-6 must receive the immunization(s) within the first 5 days of school or risk exclusion (except where noted differently). If the next dose is not the final dose of the series, the child must also provide a medical certificate/plan (see link below) signed by your physician within the first five days of school for obtaining the required immunizations or risk exclusion. Your child in grades 7-12 must have one dose of the required immunization(s) on the first day of school or risk exclusion. Please provide an updated immunization record to the school nurse with the completed immunizations. Click Here to print the medical certificate/plan to be completed by your physician and return to the school nurse.

 

The only exceptions to the school laws for immunization are as follows: medical reasons and religious beliefs. If your child is exempt from immunizations, your child may be removed from school for up to 21 days during a disease outbreak.
 

·        Medical exemption. Children are exempt if a physician or the physician's designee provides a written statement that immunizations may be detrimental to the health of the child. When the physician determines that the immunization is no longer detrimental to the health of the child, the child shall be immunized according to 28 Pa. Code, Chapter 23, Subchapter C.

 

·     Religious/moral exemption. Children are exempt if the parent, guardian or emancipated child objects in writing to the immunization on religious grounds or on the basis of a strong moral or ethical conviction similar to a religious belief. If you wish to make a religious exemption, please print the Immunization Exemption Form to sign and return to school nurse.
 

Keep a record of your child’s immunizations. Provide a copy of your child's record, keep the original record in a safe place. Your doctor’s office, medical clinic, or hospital may ask for this record. As your children become adults, they may need the record for college, for their job or if they travel out of the country.

 

If you have questions about the new immunization requirements, please contact your health care provider or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).  Immunization information can be found at:  www.dontwaitvaccinate.pa.gov. Pennsylvania's school immunization requirements can be found in 28 Pa. CODE CH.23 (School Immunization).