School Entry Health Requirements

This includes all series and boosters for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella, Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae type b), varicella (chickenpox) and hepatitis B.  Dates of all immunizations (series and boosters) must be documented on the certificate with the month, day, and year that the vaccine was received. An expiration date stating when the next immunization is due must be indicated.

Initial Entry

• A valid Kentucky Immunization Certificate

• A physical examination done with in one year prior to entering school.

• Eye examination done by ophthalmologist or optometrist by january 1 of the year of enrollment.

• Dental screening Kentucky law, KRS 156.160(i) requires proof of a dental screening or examination by a dentist , dental hygienist, physician, registered nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. This evidence shall be presented to the school no later than January 1 of the first year that a five (5) or six (6) year old is enrolled in public school.

Immunization requirements if child is age 4-6

• 2 doses for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine on or after the first birthday and separated by 30 days;

• 3 hepatitis B immunizations, with the 3rd dose given after 18 months of age and less than age 2;

• Complete Hib vaccine series (number of doses required depends on how old the child was when the first dose was received);

• 2 doses of Chickenpox vaccine, unless a health care provider states that the child has had a diagnosis of typical varicella disease or verification of a history of chickenpox disease by a healthcare provider or a diagnosis of herpes zoster disease or verification of a history of herpes zoster disease by a healthcare provider;

• 4-5 DTaP, DT, DTP or, a combination of the two, 1 dose must be actually given on or after the fourth birthday;

• 3-4 of IPV or OPV or combinations of the 2 vaccines with the final dose of IPV vaccine given at age four years or older regardless of the number of previous doses and the minimum interval between this final dose and the previous dose should be at least six months;

• Complete pneumococcal vaccine series (number of doses required depends on how old the child was when the first dose was received. There is no catch up for children 5 years of age and older).

Sixth Grade Entry Requirements (age 11 or 12 years or older , a child shall have received:

• A physical examination done within one year prior to entering sixth grade; All immunizations mentioned above PLUS 

• 1 dose for Tdap regardless of interval since last dose of tetanus-containing vaccine is required for students at sixth grade entry, 11 or 12 years or older, with option for Td for individuals who cannot receive pertussis containing vaccines;

• 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine MCV or MPSV.

Out of State Transfer Students

• A valid Kentucky Immunization Certificate

• A physical examination done within one year prior to entering school.

Tuberculosis Skin Test

• Tuberculosis skin test must be given and read prior to enrollment in school if the student comes from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, or countries with endemic tuberculosis

• If the skin test is positive the child must have  a chest x-ray and medical examination prior to enrollment.

Meeting Requirement

Contact your local health care provider for an appointment as soon as possible.

•  Take all personal immunization records with you

•  Take required completed forms to your child’s school office.

There are several other vaccines that are recommended and may prevent certain types of infectious disease but are not currently required for entry into schools or daycares. Theses include the influenza (FLU) vaccine, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, hepatitis A vaccine and rotavirus vaccine. Please contact your local health care provider, or health department for more information.