Immunization Letter
What immunizations or shots are needed to attend school?
- The information below is copied directly from the Minnesota Department of Health Information sheet ID 52799 (MDH, 10/2014) "Are Your Kids Ready for School?",
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/immunize/readykidswhento.pdf
Here is a summary of how many shots children need at diffent ages:
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Preschool
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4 Dtap (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough))
3 Polio
3 Hepatitis B
1 MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
at least 1 Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B
1 Varicella* (Chickenpox)
2 Hepatitis A
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Kindergarten
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5 Dtap (5th shot not needed if 4th was after age 4)
4 Polio (4th polio may not be needed if 3rd was after age 4)
2 MMR
3 Hepatitis B
2 Varicella*
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Age 7 through 6th grade
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at least 3 Dtap/Td
at least 3 polio
3 Hepatitis B
2 MMR
2 Varicella*
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7th grade through 12th grade
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at least 3 Dtap AND 1 Tdap shot required at age 11 or older**
at least 3 polio
2 MMR
3 Hepatitis B ***
2 Varicella*
1 Meningococcal (At age 11-12 years)
1 Meningococcal - Senior Year
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Additional Information:
*If the child has already had chickenpox disease, varicella shots are not required but the child's doctor must sign a form.
**Unless a Tdap (tetanus and diphtheria) was given after the 7th birthday; then it must be repeated 10 years after the last dose.
***An alternate two-dose schedule of Hepatitis B may also be used for kids from age 11 through 15 years.
These are the shots the school law requires. Parents may get a legal exemption from the school law for medical reasons or conscientiously held beliefs. A Pupil Immunization Record form can be found at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/immunize/studentimzfm.pdf
The Minnesota Department of Health has a very helpful handout on immunizations. You can find it using the link above. You can also get more information by calling your doctor, clinic or health plan.