In This Section
Entry and Attendance Requirements
Immunizations
School Immunization Law, Chapter 76, Section 15 of the General Laws of the State of Massachusetts requires that all immunizations must be up to date for children to attend school.
- Massachusetts General Law allows for the school district to exclude children from school whose immunizations are not up to date.
- A certified record of immunizations from your child's physician(s) is required for entry into school.
- All immunization records must be provided in English and include full dates.
Immunizations are audited by the school nurses. In the event of missing or incorrect information, your prompt attention in addressing the error/omission is imperative to assure compliance with state law. The current state requirements can be found here: Massachusetts School Immunization Requirements from Mass.gov.
- Preschool Entry Requirements
- Kindergarten - Grade 6 Requirements
- Grade 7-12 Requirements
- Immunization Exemptions
Preschool Entry Requirements
Preschool Entry Requirements
- Hib: 1-4 doses; the number of doses is determined by vaccine product and age the series began
- DTaP: 4 doses
- Polio: 3 doses
- Hepatitis B: 3 doses; laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable
- MMR: 1 dose; must be given on or after the 1st birthday; laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable
- Varicella: 1 dose; must be given on or after the 1st birthday; a physician documented case of chickenpox or laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable
Kindergarten - Grade 6 Requirements
K-Grade 6 Requirements
- DTaP: 5 doses; 4 doses acceptable if the 4th dose is given on or after the 4th birthday. DT is only acceptable with a letter stating medical contraindication to DTaP
- Polio: 4 doses; 4th dose must be given on or after the 4th birthday and ≥ 6 months after the previous dose, or a 5th dose is required. 3 doses are acceptable if the 3rd dose is given on or after the 4th birthday and ≥ 6 months after the previous dose.
- Hepatitis B: 3 doses; laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable
- MMR: 2 doses; first dose must be given on or after the 1st birthday and the 2nd dose must be given ≥ 28 days after previous dose; laboratory evidence of immunity accepted.
- Varicella: 2 doses; first dose must be given on or after the 1st birthday and the 2nd dose must be given ≥ 28 days after previous dose; a physician documented case of chickenpox or laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable
Grade 7-12 Requirements
Grade 7-12 Requirements
- Tdap: 1 dose and a history of DTaP primary series or age-appropriate catch-up vaccination.
- Polio: 4 doses; 4th dose must be given on or after the 4th birthday and ≥ 6 months after the previous dose, or a 5th dose is required. 3 doses are acceptable if the 3rd dose is given on or after the 4th birthday and ≥ 6 months after the previous dose.
- Hepatitis B: 3 doses; laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable
- MMR: 2 doses; first dose must be given on or after the 1st birthday and the 2nd dose must be given ≥ 28 days after previous dose; laboratory evidence of immunity accepted.
- Varicella: 2 doses; first dose must be given on or after the 1st birthday and the 2nd dose must be given ≥ 28 days after previous dose; a physician documented case of chickenpox or laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable
- Meningococcal Requirements
- Grade 7-9: 1 dose; 1 dose MenACWY (formerly MCV4) required. Meningococcal B vaccine is not required and does not meet this requirement.
- Grade 11-12:2 doses; second dose MenACWY (formerly MCV4) must be given on or after the 16th birthday and ≥ 8 weeks after the previous dose. 1 dose is acceptable if it was given on or after the 16th birthday. Meningococcal B vaccine is not required and does not meet this requirement.
Immunization Exemptions
If your child has a medical reason they may not receive a vaccine(s), please provide documentation for the child's prescriber detailing the Medical Exemption. If you have a religious belief that excludes vaccines for your child, please contact your building based nurse for information of on Religious Exemptions.
All Immunization Exemptions must be renewed annually.
Lead Test
The first test must be done between the ages of 9 and 12 months. Children must be tested again at ages 2 and 3.
If you live in a high risk community, your child must also be tested at age 4. Every child must have a lead test before they begin daycare, Kindergarten, or preschool.
Tuberculosis Risk
Each school-aged child in a Massachusetts public or private school should have a TB Risk Assessment completed and documented on the school health form.