Pennsylvania School Immunization Requirements

IMMUNIZE — Don’t Wait. Vaccinate.

Children in ALL grades (K-12) need the following immunizations for attendance:

  • 4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis* (1 dose on or after 4th birthday)
  • 4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given)
  • 2 doses of measles, mumps and rubella**
  • 3 doses of hepatitis B
  • 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) or evidence of immunity

Seventh through 12th Grade ADDITIONAL immunization requirements for attendance:

  • 2 doses Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV)
    • First dose is given 11-15 years of age; a second dose is required at age 16 or entry into 12th grade.
    • If the dose was given at 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required.
  • 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap)

*   Usually given as DTaP or DTP or DT or Td
** Usually given as MMR


Exemptions to the school laws for immunizations are:

  • medical reasons;
  • religious beliefs; and
  • philosophical/strong moral or ethical conviction.

If your child is exempt from immunizations, he or she may be removed from school during an outbreak