Did you know that California law requires children who attend childcare and schools, both public and private, to receive certain vaccines prior to starting school? If your child does not have all of the required vaccines for their age or grade level, they may not be allowed to attend.
Summer is the perfect time to make sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date. Medical providers are usually very busy at the beginning of the school year and you may not be able to get an appointment until the after school begins in the early fall if you wait too long. You will want to schedule an appointment with your provider as soon as possible to avoid the last minute crunch in the fall. Getting immunizations, much like purchasing school supplies, helps prepare your child for school or child care. Is your child’s shot record up to date?
You need to know that required vaccines for child care entry are based on the age of your child and that requirements change as your child gets older. Required vaccines for school entry are based on a combination of age and grade level.
The CA Immunization Requirements for School and Childcare entry are discussed in the following links:
Here are some helpful tips for making sure your child has all of the required vaccines for child care and school entry.
- Start early!
Don’t wait until school starts to get the necessary vaccines. This could cause your child to miss school if she has to wait for a doctor appointment.
- Ask your doctor!
He will know the other vaccines that are recommended for your child’s age group. Rotavirus and Hepatitis A are important vaccines that protect children from common diseases, but are not required for school and child care entry.
- Check the Yellow Card!
Make sure your doctor fills out your child’s California Immunization Record (Yellow Card) completely.
- Take the Yellow Card!
School and child care staff will need to review the Yellow Card during enrollment time.
- Vaccines aren’t just for kids!
Adults need vaccines, too. Tdap and Flu vaccines not only protect moms, dads and grandparents, but kids as well!
California School Law requires some, but not all, of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended vaccines. When you see your health care provider, make sure your child receives both their required and recommended shots.
Your doctor can answer questions about which vaccines your child can have. If you are uninsured and have questions about where you can get free or low-cost immunizations, call the San Diego Immunization Branch at (866) 358-2966.
