Vaccination Requirements in CaliforniaStudents Admitted at Ages 4-6 years Need These Immunizations: |
- Diphtheria,Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or DT) —5 doses
(4 doses OK if one was given on or after 4th birthday) - Polio (OPV or IPV)—4 doses
(3 doses OK if one was given on or after 4th birthday) - Hepatitis B—3 doses
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)—2 doses
(Both given on or after 1st birthday) - Varicella (Chickenpox)—1 dose
Parents must show their child’s Immunization Record as proof of immunization. These immunization requirements also apply to students entering transitional kindergarten.
Students Admitted at Ages 7-17 Years Need These Immunizations:
- Diphtheria,Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, DT, Tdap, or Td)—3 doses
(4 doses required if last one was given before 2nd birthday) - Polio (OPV or IPV)—4 doses
(3 doses OK if one was given on or after 2nd birthday) - Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)—1 dose
(2 doses required at 7th grade) - Varicella (chickenpox)
(Admission at ages 7-12 years need 1 dose; ages 13-17 years need 2 doses) - Tetanus, Diphtheria,and Pertussis (Tdap) —1 dose at 7th grade or out-of-state transfer admission at 8th–12thgrades
(1 dose on or after the 7th birthday)
California schools are required to check immunization records for students ages 4-6 years, upon advancement or admission into 7th grade, and for students transferring from out-of-state at any age. Parents must show their child’s Immunization Record as proof of immunization.
Immunizations (shots) Needed Before Starting Child Care/Preschool |
Age When Entering | Immunizations (shots) Required |
2–3 Months | 1 each of Polio, DTaP, Hib, Hep B |
4–5 Months | 2 each of Polio, DTaP, Hib, Hep B |
6–14 Months | 3 each of DTaP 2 each of Polio, Hib, Hep B |
15–17 Months | 3 each of Polio, DTaP 2 Hep B 1 MMR 1 Hib |
18 months–5 years | 3 Polio 4 DTaP 3 Hep B 1 MMR 1 Hib 1 Varicella |
DTaP = Diphtheria,Tetanus, and Pertussis
Hib = Haemophilus Influenzae type B
Hep B = Hepatitis B
MMR = Measles, Mumps, Rubella
Varicella = Chickenpox
Parents must show their child’s Immunization Record as proof of immunization.