The new school year is fast approaching. Before you start packing those backpacks, it is time to double-check your student’s health forms.
In New York City, children ages 2 months to 18 years who enter or attend childcare, public school, or private school are required to be fully vaccinated against certain diseases.
“Vaccinations are safe, effective tools and an important part of keeping our students and school communities healthy and ready to learn,” a spokesperson for NYC Public Schools shared. Families are highly encouraged to get their children’s immunization records up to date before the very first day of classes.
To make things easy, here is a quick breakdown of exactly what your student needs before heading back to the classroom this year.
Required vaccinations for all students
Whether your child is in childcare or finishing up high school, they must have the following core vaccines:
- DTaP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis)
- Poliovirus
- MMR (measles-mumps-rubella)
- Varicella
- Hepatitis B
Additional requirements for children under 5
If you have a little one enrolled in childcare or pre-kindergarten, they need a few extra layers of protection:
- Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b)
- PCV (pneumococcal conjugate)
- Influenza (flu) – Note that children must receive their flu vaccine by the end of December for the current school year. (This typically becomes available in early fall).
Middle and high school requirements
As your kids get older, they will need some additional boosters to stay compliant with city rules:
- The Tdap booster (required by grade 6)
- MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate) (required by grade 7)
What if my child needs a medical exemption?
There may be a medical exemption if your child has a specific health condition where receiving a vaccine might be harmful.
To apply, you will simply need to print the medical request for immunization exemption form. Make sure to have it officially filled out and signed by a New York State-licensed medical doctor or an osteopathic doctor.
To learn more about these back-to-school requirements, you can check directly with your child’s pediatrician or visit the NYC Public Schools website.
Are you and your family ready for the new school year?