Does my child need to be vaccinated to go to school in California? What law says
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- California law mandates childhood immunizations for school and childcare entry.
- Students must show age-appropriate vaccine proof before enrollment or transfer.
- COVID-19 shots are recommended but not required for school in 2025.
Back-to-school season is just around the corner in California.
And state health officials are reminding families to make sure their children’s vaccinations are up to date before the first day of school.
“Vaccination prevents the spread of serious illnesses, reduces hospitalizations, saves lives, and helps keep kids in school and doing the activities they love,” the California Department of Public Health said in a news release on Tuesday, July 22.
Before classes are back in session, it’s important to know what immunizations California law requires for public schools, private schools and licensed childcare centers.
Here’s what families need to know:
What vaccines do California students need?
According to the California Department of Public Health, families must provide their child’s immunization record as proof of vaccination before they can start pre-kindergarten or a licensed child care program.
The state health department said that as kids age, they will need more vaccines at different ages to stay up to date and meet school requirements.
According to the California Health and Safety Code, state law requires age groups receive total immunization against the following childhood diseases:
- Diphtheria (DTaP)
- Hepatitis B (Hep B)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Measles (MMR)
- Mumps (MMR)
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Poliomyelitis (polio)
- Rubella (MMR)
- Tetanus (DTaP)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
As of July 2025, the United States has seen more measles cases than in any year since 2000.
“Over 90% of this year’s cases were not vaccinated, and more than 1 in 10 of those infected with measles were hospitalized, some in intensive care units,” the state health department said. “Three people have died this year from this entirely preventable disease, reminding us of the importance of immunization.”
Before attending a school or a licensed child care program, here’s when children need to have the following vaccines:
Required doses for infants aged two to three months:
- One Polio
- One DTaP
- One Hep B
- One Hib
Required doses for infants aged four to five months:
- Two Polio
- Two DTaP
- Two Hep B
- Two Hib
Required doses for infants aged six to 14 months:
- Two Polio
- Three DTaP
- Two Hep B
- Two Hib
Required doses for toddlers aged 15 to 17 months:
- Three Polio
- Three DTaP
- Two Hep B
- One Hib (on or after first birthday)
- One Varicella
- One MMR (on or after first birthday)
Required doses for children aged 18 months to five years:
- Three Polio
- Four DTaP
- Three Hep B
- One Hib (on or after first birthday)
- One Varicella
- One MMR (on or after first birthday)
Students entering transitional kindergarten or kindergarten need records of:
- Five doses of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis
- Four doses of Polio
- Three doses of Hepatitis B
- Two doses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella
- Two doses of Varicella
For new or transferring students in TK through 12th grade:
- You’ll need to show proof your child has had all required vaccines for their age.
- Students in grades seventh through 12th must have at least one dose of a whooping cough vaccine given after their seventh birthday.
- The hepatitis B vaccine is required for all grades except when starting seventh grade.
Students starting seventh grade must have a Tdap shot, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough.
Does my child need COVID vaccine to go to school?
The latest COVID-19 vaccine was released in fall 2024.
“Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination can reduce the risk of disease, especially more severe cases that result in hospitalization or death,” the California Department of Public Health said.
As of June 2025, individuals aged 6 months and older are eligible to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
“Californians should contact their health care provider for specific vaccination recommendations,” the state health department said. “CDPH will continue to follow the federal conversation through this dynamic situation.”
Children 6 months and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but as of Monday, July 28, it is not required for school attendance.
This story was originally published July 29, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Does my child need to be vaccinated to go to school in California? What law says."
