It’s back-to-school season, and that means your child may need vaccines so they stay healthy throughout the school year.
Why vaccines matter for school
Vaccination promotes a healthy childhood. Specifically, vaccines:
• Protect children from serious diseases
• Prevent missed days of school and work
• Lower the risk of children being hospitalized from preventable infections
• Prevent outbreaks of diseases, such as measles, chickenpox, and whooping cough, in schools and childcare facilities
• Provide individual and community protection from illnesses
Vaccines your child needs for school
All children in grades K-12 need the following vaccines to attend school in Philadelphia:
• Four doses of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis); one dose on or after their fourth birthday
• Four doses of IPV (polio); one dose on or after their fourth birthday
• Two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
• Three doses of HepB (hepatitis B)
• Two doses of varicella (chickenpox)
For attendance in seventh grade, children must have:
• One dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
• One dose of MCV4 (meningococcal disease A, C, W, and Y)
For attendance in twelfth grade, children must have:
• Second dose of MCV4 (meningococcal disease A, C, W, and Y)
For a complete breakdown of recommended vaccines by age and for more information, read the School District of Philadelphia’s immunization requirements.
Is your child up to date?
Your child may already be up to date on their vaccinations, but it’s best to review your child’s vaccination record with their pediatrician before each school year just to be sure.
Accessing records for school and extracurricular requirements
If your child received vaccines in Philadelphia, you can request their vaccination records.
However, the best way to get your child’s vaccination records is by contacting the doctor’s office where they were received.
Where can my child get vaccinated?
If your child has health insurance:
• Schedule an appointment with their pediatrician
If your child doesn’t have insurance:
• Attend a vaccination clinic hosted by the School District of Philadelphia
• Find a free or low-cost primary care clinic
Access free vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program
Children younger than 19 years of age may qualify for free vaccines under the VFC program if they are:
• Uninsured
• Medicaid-eligible or enrolled
• American Indian or Alaska Native
• Underinsured
Learn more about how to vaccinate your child in Philadelphia.
Don’t forget about flu season
Annual flu vaccination is recommended, starting in the fall. Also, children attending group childcare in Philadelphia need an annual flu vaccine. Learn more about how to get a flu shot.
Start the school year strong
Help keep Philadelphia’s schools healthy and safe for students, teachers, staff, and family members. Make a plan and get your child vaccinated for school.
