School & Childcare Requirements for Immunizations
California law requires all children enrolled in state schools, both public and private, to have certain doctor-recommended immunizations, or receive them when they enroll.
What immunizations does my child need for grade school, preschool or day care?
Effective July 1, 2019:
Immunizations required to enter 7th grade:
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster (Tdap)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
Immunizations required to enter Kindergarten:
- Polio
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
Immunizations required to enter Child Care (depends on age when enrolling):
- Polio
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
Follow these links to see detailed immunization requirements for child care and school entry in California.
Personal belief exemptions will no longer be permitted beginning January 1, 2016. Personal belief exemptions submitted before January 1, 2016 are valid until the child enters kindergarten (including transitional kindergarten) or 7th grade. Valid medical exemptions from a licensed physician are not affected and will continue to be accepted. More information about the changes in school immunization law.
To prevent disease outbreaks in a community, at least 90% of its population must be immunized, depending on the disease. Several child care centers, preschools and kindergarten classes in Contra Costa County fell short of 90% during 2014-15, because parents of 10% or more of their students used PBEs to opt out of school immunization requirements.
When parents choose not to vaccinate, they put their children, and our community, at greater risk of severe, vaccine preventable diseases. See data that show immunization levels at most schools and daycares in Contra Costa County.