• Student Immunization Requirements

    To attend school in Pennsylvania, students must meet state immunization requirements. These vaccines protect students from serious diseases and help ensure a safe school environment. Pennsylvania's school immunization requirements can be found in 28 Pa.CODE CH.23 (School Immunization). Contact your healthcare provider or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH for more information.

    Required Vaccines for All Students (Grades K–12)

    By the first day of school, students must have at least one dose of the following vaccines unless exempt. If additional doses are needed, they must be completed within five (5) days, or a medical plan must be submitted.

    • 4 doses of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis (1 dose must be after the 4th birthday)*

    • 4 doses of Polio (final dose on or after 4th birthday, and at least 6 months after the previous dose)**

    • 2 doses of Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)***

    • 3 doses of Hepatitis B

    • 2 doses of Varicella (chickenpox) or evidence of immunity

    * Usually given as DTaP or DTP
    ** A 4th dose is not needed if the 3rd was given after age 4 and 6 months after the prior dose
    *** Usually given as MMR

    7th Grade Entry Requirements

    In addition to the vaccines listed above, students entering 7th grade must have the following on the first day of school:

    • 1 dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis (Tdap)

    • 1 dose of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV)

    12th Grade Entry Requirements

    Students entering 12th grade must have the following on the first day of school:

    • 1 dose of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV)
      (If a dose was given at age 16 or older, it counts as the 12th-grade dose)

    What Happens If Your Child Is Not Fully Vaccinated?

    • If your child is missing a required dose and it is medically appropriate, they must receive it within 5 days of school starting or they may be excluded from school.

    • If the next dose is not yet due, a medical plan (red and white card) must be submitted within the first 5 days.

    • The medical plan must be followed. Failure to comply may result in school exclusion.

  • These vaccines are available free of charge for all students 18 years and younger through the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD).

    To schedule an appointment or get more information, please call ACHD at 412-578-8060.