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. (An immunization record that indicates a "history of chickenpox disease"is not sufficient documentation to meet school requirements.)
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. For admissions on or after January 1, 2021:
- Medical exemptions can only be issued through the California Immunization Registry - Medical Exemption website (CAIR-ME) by physicians licensed in California.
- Schools and child care facilities may only accept from parents new medical exemptions that are issued using CAIR-ME.
- A medical exemption filed at a pre-kindergarten facility or school remains valid until the earliest of:
- When the child enrolls in the next grade span (TK/K-6th grade, 7th-12th grade)
- The expiration date specified in a temporary medical exemption.
- Revocation of the exemption because the issuing physician has been subject to disciplinary action from the physician's licensing entity.
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 priorto entering TK or Kindergarten.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR 7TH GRADE STUDENTS
Every student attending a public school in the state of California is required to have certain immunizations, as stated in California law. Students who do not have them will not be permitted to start school in August, so please read the following information carefully. Please submit the documentation now to the school your child currently attends.
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
In addition to these requirements, 7th grade students should also have received two MMR (mumps-measles-rubella) as well as three hepatitis B 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.
Go to SolanoVaxFacts.com for more information about vaccinations.
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.