Immunization Requirements and Information

Immunizations Shield
COVID-19 UPDATE:

Even with current school closures, immunization requirements for admission to school or child care in California for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school year remain in place. For the most current information about school immunizations and requirements, please go to the Shots for School website.

Students Admitted at TK/K-12 Need:

  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, Tdap, or Td) — 5 doses
    (4 doses OK if one was given on or after 4th birthday. 3 doses OK if one was given on or after 7th birthday.) For 7th-12th graders, at least 1 dose of pertussis-containing vaccine is required on or after 7th birthday. 
  • Polio (OPV or IPV) — 4 doses
    (3 doses OK if one was given on or after 4th birthday)
  • Hepatitis B — 3 doses
    (not required for 7th grade entry)
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) — 2 doses
    (Both given on or after 1st birthday)
  • Varicella (Chickenpox) — 2 doses

These immunization requirements also apply to new admissions and transfers for all grades, including transitional kindergarten. 

Students Starting Grade 7 Need:

  • Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) — 1 dose
    (Whooping cough booster usually given at 11 years and up) 
  • Varicella (Chickenpox) — 2 doses 
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

    Records:

    California schools are required to check immunization records for all new student admissions at TK/Kindergarten through 12th grade and all students advancing to 7th grade before entry. Parents must show their child's Immunization Record as proof of immunization.

    San Mateo County Health Resources