Immunization Requirements

Immunization Requirements for School Attendance:

Children in ALL GRADES (K-12) need the following immunizations for attendance:

  • 4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis* (1 dose on or after the 4th birthday)
  • 4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given)
  • 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella**
  • 3 doses of hepatitis B
  • 2 doses of varicella (chicken pox) or evidence of immunity

*Ususally given as DTP or DTaP or DT or TD
**Usually given as MMR

Children ATTENDING 7th - 12th grade need the following:

  • 2 doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV)
    • First dose is given 11-15 years of age; a second dose is required at age 16 or entry into 12th grade.
    • If the dose was given at 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required.
  • 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap)
These requirements allow for the following exemptions: medical reason, religious belief, or philosophical/strong moral or ethical conviction.

Even if your child is exempt from immunizations, he or she may be excluded from school during an outbreak of vaccine preventable disease.

 

Vaccine Safety

  • Vaccines are held to the highest standard of safety.
  • The United States has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in history.
  • Vaccines are continually monitored for safety and effectiveness.

Pennsylvania's school immunization requirements can be found in 28 PA Code Ch. 23 (School Immunization).

Any student who does not meet these requirements by the first day of school, may be excluded from school until the minimum requirements have been met.

Contact your health care provider or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).

Vaccine information can be found at: www.dontwaitvaccinate.pa.gov.

TB screening (Mantoux) is required in South Middleton School District for all international students before their first day of school. If they had a previous screening it must not be more than one month prior to their first day of school.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have not completed immunization requirements, the vaccinations can be received from your private physician.

Immunization Requirements

If you have any questions about immunization requirements, please contact your child(ren)'s school nurse.