IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
New York State law requires every child to be up to date on their vaccinations before they can attend school. Send your child’s immunization record to the school nurse before the first day.
STEP 1
Get the record
Ask your pediatrician for your child’s immunization record. If you don’t have a doctor, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/health to find a free or low-cost clinic.
STEP 2
Send it to us
Give it to the school nurse - in person at the Main Office, or by email.
EVERY YEAR
Flu shot for under-5s
Children in 3-K and Pre-K need a flu vaccine each year by December 31. Best to get it in early fall when it becomes available.
What your child needs
These are the New York City requirements for the grades we teach. Doses depend on your child’s age and what they have already had - your pediatrician will confirm.
| Vaccine | 3-K & Pre-K | Kindergarten – Grade 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis DTaP | 4 doses | 5 doses, or fewer depending on age at the last dose |
| Polio IPV | 3 doses | 4 doses, or 3 if the third was given at age 4 or older |
| Measles, mumps, rubella MMR | 1 dose | 2 doses |
| Hepatitis B | 3 doses | 3 doses |
| Chickenpox Varicella | 1 dose | 2 doses |
| Haemophilus influenzae type b Hib | 1–4 doses, by age | Not required |
| Pneumococcal conjugate PCV | 1–4 doses, by age | Not required |
| Influenza flu | 1 dose each year by Dec 31 | Not required |
Questions families ask
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Tell the school nurse before the first day. Children who are mid-series can usually stay in school while they catch up, as long as the next appointment is booked. A child with no record at all may not be able to attend, so please don’t leave it until September.
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New York State allows medical exemptions only, certified by a doctor. Religious exemptions were ended by state law in 2019.
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That’s fine. Bring whatever you have. The nurse and your pediatrician can work out what still counts and what needs repeating. Records in other languages are accepted.
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Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/health and search for student vaccines. NYC runs free clinics regardless of immigration status or insurance.
Full details on the NYC Public Schools immunization page ↗