CALIFORNIA STATE IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Public School Immunization Requirements
School immunization requirements help protect our children when they are most vulnerable against serious vaccine-preventable diseases. By strengthening community immunity, school immunization requirements help keep our schools and our community healthy.
Proof of complete immunization records must be provided and verified. It is required by California state law that all students have complete records of immunizations prior to entering school. Children will not be admitted to a classroom unless their immunizations are up-to-date.
The Governor's signing of Senate Bill 277 removes the personal belief exemption (PBE) from school immunization requirements. This means that beginning January 1, 2016, public and private preschools and schools can no longer accept a PBE (for religious or non-religious reasons) for school entry.
A personal belief exemption submitted prior to January 1, 2016 will remain valid until the student enters transitional kindergarten, kindergarten or 7th grade. Those in TK or kindergarten through 6th grade with a PBE will need to meet the immunization requirements when they reach 7th grade or choose a homeschool or independent study option with no classroom-based instruction.
Medical exemptions from a licensed physician (MD or DO) will continue to be permitted. Senate Bill 277 will not affect school entry immunization requirements.
Please feel free to contact your School Nurse for further clarification.
View and download the California Immunization Requirements for students entering California Schools.
Please Note:
California law requires the following immunizations for 7th grade students. Students will not be able to begin 7th grade without these:
Students who do not show proof of receiving the Tdap and varicella immunizations prior to the first day of school will not be able to start school or receive a class schedule until proof is provided to the school.
We want to make sure your child starts 7th grade on time. Every year we have to send 7th graders home as they arrive on the first day. This causes tears and frustration that can be avoided.
1. Get your child’s vaccinations now.
A large number of students need these shots between now and the start of school next year. Make an appointment with your child’s health care provider as soon as possible. Avoid the back-to-school rush.
2. Bring proof of immunizations to your child’s current school now.
Your child will need to provide proof of immunization in order to start 7th grade. It is helpful to turn this documentation in to your child’s elementary school to help with the transition to 7th grade.
Under SB277, exemptions based on personal beliefs, including religious beliefs, are no longer an option for vaccines required for school in California. For more information go to www.shotsforschool.org. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school nurse.
Public School Immunization Requirements
School immunization requirements help protect our children when they are most vulnerable against serious vaccine-preventable diseases. By strengthening community immunity, school immunization requirements help keep our schools and our community healthy.
Proof of complete immunization records must be provided and verified. It is required by California state law that all students have complete records of immunizations prior to entering school. Children will not be admitted to a classroom unless their immunizations are up-to-date.
The Governor's signing of Senate Bill 277 removes the personal belief exemption (PBE) from school immunization requirements. This means that beginning January 1, 2016, public and private preschools and schools can no longer accept a PBE (for religious or non-religious reasons) for school entry.
A personal belief exemption submitted prior to January 1, 2016 will remain valid until the student enters transitional kindergarten, kindergarten or 7th grade. Those in TK or kindergarten through 6th grade with a PBE will need to meet the immunization requirements when they reach 7th grade or choose a homeschool or independent study option with no classroom-based instruction.
Medical exemptions from a licensed physician (MD or DO) will continue to be permitted. Senate Bill 277 will not affect school entry immunization requirements.
Please feel free to contact your School Nurse for further clarification.
View and download the California Immunization Requirements for students entering California Schools.
Please Note:
- Physical Exam - In addition to the required immunizations, the Vacaville Unified School District requires a child to have a physical examination or proof of an appointment prior to entering TK or Kindergarten.
California law requires the following immunizations for 7th grade students. Students will not be able to begin 7th grade without these:
- A pertussis (whooping cough) booster shot (Tdap) given after the age of 7 AND
- Two varicella (chickenpox) vaccinations
Students who do not show proof of receiving the Tdap and varicella immunizations prior to the first day of school will not be able to start school or receive a class schedule until proof is provided to the school.
We want to make sure your child starts 7th grade on time. Every year we have to send 7th graders home as they arrive on the first day. This causes tears and frustration that can be avoided.
1. Get your child’s vaccinations now.
A large number of students need these shots between now and the start of school next year. Make an appointment with your child’s health care provider as soon as possible. Avoid the back-to-school rush.
2. Bring proof of immunizations to your child’s current school now.
Your child will need to provide proof of immunization in order to start 7th grade. It is helpful to turn this documentation in to your child’s elementary school to help with the transition to 7th grade.
Under SB277, exemptions based on personal beliefs, including religious beliefs, are no longer an option for vaccines required for school in California. For more information go to www.shotsforschool.org. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school nurse.
