Immunization Information for Schools

 

 

 

When groups of children come together the opportunity for disease to spread is increased. School and childcare staff play an important role in assuring safe and healthy futures for California youth by ensuring that all children in attendance are fully immunized.

School Laws

• California State rules and regulations govern student entry into kindergarten through 12th grade.
• 7th grade students must have evidence of three hepatitis B vaccines and a second measles shot.
• As of July 2001, kindergarteners must have evidence of chickenpox vaccine. Alternatively, a physician's note confirming prior chickenpox disease is acceptable.
  Medical exemptions to immunizations exist to accommodate children who have a medical condition for which vaccinations are contraindicated. A note from the child's doctor will suffice.

• A parent philosophically opposed to vaccination has a right to notify the school administration of such belief by signing the back of the student's blue card in the personal beliefs section.

Childcare Laws

• Entry requirements govern family childcare (in someone's home) and center-based childcare.
• As of July, 2001, evidence of chickenpox vaccine was required for entry into any child care facility. A doctor's note confirming prior chickenpox disease is also acceptable.
• Medical exemptions to immunizations exist to accommodate children who have a medical condition for which vaccinations are contraindicated. A note from the child's doctor will suffice.

• A parent philosophically opposed to vaccination also has a right to notify the child care administrator of such belief by signing the back of the child's blue card in the personal beliefs section.

Vaccine Materials

Order free blue cards and other immunization materials from the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

San Francisco Immunization Programs for Children

• Vaccines for Children
• Perinatal Hepatitis B Program
• San Francisco Immunization Coalition