Immunizations Information
Immunizations not only help you protect your child against serious childhood diseases, they protect the health of other students. Â Below are the vaccines required to attend school in Massachusetts.
Required Immunizations: The following immunizations must be on file with the school nurse prior to starting classes:
Pre-School: 3 doses of Hepatitis B, 4 or more doses of DTaP/DTP, 3 or more doses of Polio, 1-4 doses of Hib, 1 dose of MMR, 1 dose of Varicella
Kindergarten:Â 3 doses of Hepatitis B, 5Â doses of DTaP/DTP, 4Â doses of Polio, Â 2 doses of MMR, 2Â dose of Varicella
Grade 1-6:Â 3 doses of Hepatitis B, 4 or more doses of DTaP/DTP, 3 or more doses of Polio, 2Â doses of MMR. Â Grades 1-3 need 2 doses of Varicella, Grades 4-6 need 1 dose of Varicella.
Grade 7-10:Â 3 doses of Hepatitis B, 4 or more doses of DTaP/DTP plus 1 Tdap booster, 3 or more doses of Polio, 2Â doses of MMR, and 2 doses of Varicella.
Grade 11-12:Â Grade 7-10:Â 3 doses of Hepatitis B, 4 or more doses of DTaP/DTP plus 1 Tdap booster, 3 or more doses of Polio, 2Â doses of Measles, 1 dose Mumps, 1 dose Rubella, and 1 doses of Varicella.
Failure to provide the school nurse with documentation of these immunizations is cause for exclusion from school.
Allowable Exemptions: There are two situations in which children who are not appropriately immunized may be admitted to school:
- Medical Exemption is allowed if a physician submits documentation attesting that an immunization is medically contraindicated.
- Religious exemption is allowed if a parent or guardian submits a written statement that immunization conflict with their sincere religious beliefs.
Philosophical exemptions are not allowed by law in Massachusetts, even if signed by a physician.