Immunizations

Pennsylvania’s school immunization requirements can be found in 28 PA. Code CH.23 (School Immunization)

Children in ALL grades (K-12) need the following Immunizations for attendance:

• 4 doses of tetanus*
  
• 4 doses of diphtheria*
  
• 3 doses of polio
  
• 2 doses of measles**
  
• 2 doses of mumps**
  
• 1 dose of rubella (German measles) **
  
• 3 doses of hepatitis B
  
• 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or immunity

7th Grade ADDITIONAL immunization requirements for entry:

• 1 dose meningococcal conjugatevaccine (MCV)
• 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) (if five years have elapsed since last tetanus immunization)

* Usually given as DTP or DT or Td
** Usually given as MMR

Exemptions

The only exemption to the school laws for immunizations is:

• medical reasons
• religious beliefs
  

If your child is exempt from immunizations, he or she may be removed from school during an outbreak.

Vaccine Safety

• Vaccines are held to the highest standard of safety
  
• The United States has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in history
  
• Vaccines are continually monitored for safety and effectiveness
  

Children with incomplete immunizations at the start of the school year may be provisionally enrolled for an eight month period as long as they have one of each of the antigens. If you have any questions concerning your child’s immunizations, please contact your local school nurse.  You can also call your doctor or the local health department.