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Immunization Requirements

What are the immunization requirements for all grade school students?

  • Four doses of tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (one dose on or after the fourth birthday) *

  • Four doses of polio (fourth dose on or after fourth birthday and at least six months after previous dose given) **

  • Two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) 1st dose must be on or after the 1st Birthday
  • Three doses of hepatitis B
  • Two doses of varicella (chickenpox) or evidence of immunity certified by licensed physician. 1st dose must be on or after the 1st Birthday

*Usually given as DTP or DTaP or DT or Td
**A fourth dose not necessary if the third dose was administered at age 4 years or older and at least six months after the previous dose.

What are the seventh grade school immunization requirements?

In addition to all other required grade school immunizations:

  • One dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) on the first day of seventh grade
  • One dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) on the first day of seventh grade

Note: If a child gains entrance to school in any succeeding year, the same immunizations are required on the first day.

What are the 12th grade school immunization requirements?

In addition to all other required grade school immunizations:

  • One dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) on the first day of 12th grade. If one dose was given at 16 years of age or older, that shall count as the 12th grade dose.

Exemption from immunization

  • Medical exemption. Children need not be immunized if a physician or the physician's designee provides a written statement that immunization may be detrimental to the health of the child. When the physician determines that immunization is no longer detrimental to the health of the child, the child shall be immunized according to this subchapter.
  • Religious exemption. Children need not be immunized 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.

Source: § 23.84. [28 PA. CODE CH.23]

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