Immunization Requirements
Kindergarten and school entry requirements include:
• DTaP( Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): 4 to 5 doses
• Polio( IPV / OPV): 3 to 4 doses
• Hepatitis B: 3 doses
• MMR( Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 2 doses
• Varicella( Chickenpox): 2 doses or documented history of disease
Middle and high school requirements include:
• Hepatitis A: 2-dose series
• Tdap: 1 dose required for 6th grade entry( or ages 11 to 12)
• Meningococcal( MenACWY): 1 dose for 6th grade entry, with a booster required after age 16 for Kentucky
Kentucky law requires all public and private school students to have a valid Kentucky Immunization Certificate on file before attending school or participating in sports or extracurricular activities. Requirements vary by age and grade level.
Other requirements and notes:
• Medical and religious exemptions are allowed under Kentucky law
• A preventive physical exam is required for school entry, along with vision and dental screenings
• COVID-19 and flu vaccines are recommended but not required
For forms or information on free or low-cost immunization clinics, families should contact their local county health department or the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
A familiar sight on school campuses during the school year is the LCMA School House Health mobile unit.
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