Education

Vaccination Requirements for Kindergarteners

By Leslie Norber — August 17, 2007 1 min read
  • Save to favorites
  • Print

For students entering kindergarten, preparing for the new school year can involve more than buying school supplies. Many states require vaccinations as prerequisites for children entering kindergarten. Vaccination is a key component in promoting public health by reducing the spread of communicable diseases.

The EPE Research Center conducted an analysis of state vaccination policy data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases for seven immunizations commonly required for entry into kindergarten. These vaccinations include: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis—also known as whooping cough (DtaP); hepatitis A; hepatitis B; measles, mumps, rubella (MMR); measles (dose 2); polio; and varicella—also known as chickenpox. Most states (44) require five or six shots. Only three states—Nevada, Texas, and Utah—require all seven vaccinations for incoming kindergarteners.

Number of Vaccines Required for Kindergarteners

The EPE analysis included vaccines for which states have requirements, even if states also permit individual exemptions to those requirements. For example, state law may allow students to claim exemption based on religious or philosophical beliefs, or to forgo immunizations with a simple waiver from a guardian. Students may be also be exempt if they provide documentation showing that immunizations would aggravate an existing disease or condition. The results of a study published in the Oct. 11, 2006, issue of Journal of the American Medical Association have led some experts to believe that lenient exemption policies pose a considerable threat to public health.

Regardless of the provisions of state law, the enforcement of these policies is largely the responsibility of local districts. Enforcement can be complicated by parental non-compliance and incomplete or dated vaccination records. (“Vaccination Policies Fall on Schools’ Shoulders,” Jan. 24, 2007.) Also, parents’ inability to procure vaccinations due to increased cost may pose further problems, according to a study published in the Aug. 8, 2007, issue of Journal of the American Medical Association.

For more information on childhood well-being indicators and policies related to kindergarten, please see Quality Counts 2007: From Cradle to Career and EPE’s Education Counts database.

Related Tags:

Events

This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Artificial Intelligence Webinar
AI in Education: Empowering Educators to Tap into the Promise and Steer Clear of Peril
Explore the transformative potential of AI in education and learn how to harness its power to improve student outcomes.
Content provided by Panorama Education
English Learners Webinar Family and Community Engagement: Best Practices for English Learners
Strengthening the bond between schools and families is key to the success of English learners. Learn how to enhance family engagement and support student achievement.
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Mathematics Webinar
How an Inquiry-Based Approach Transforms Math Learning
Transform math learning with an approach that empowers students to become active, engaged learners.
Content provided by MIND Education

EdWeek Top School Jobs

Teacher Jobs
Search over ten thousand teaching jobs nationwide — elementary, middle, high school and more.
View Jobs
Principal Jobs
Find hundreds of jobs for principals, assistant principals, and other school leadership roles.
View Jobs
Administrator Jobs
Over a thousand district-level jobs: superintendents, directors, more.
View Jobs
Support Staff Jobs
Search thousands of jobs, from paraprofessionals to counselors and more.
View Jobs

Read Next

Education Briefly Stated: October 2, 2024
Here's a look at some recent Education Week articles you may have missed.
8 min read
Education Briefly Stated: September 18, 2024
Here's a look at some recent Education Week articles you may have missed.
9 min read
Education Briefly Stated: August 28, 2024
Here's a look at some recent Education Week articles you may have missed.
9 min read
Education Briefly Stated: August 21, 2024
Here's a look at some recent Education Week articles you may have missed.
9 min read