Health Information

Immunization Requirements

Childhood immunization plays an invaluable role in protecting public health. School immunization requirements are an important safety net to ensure that as many children as possible are immunized. State law, c. 76, s.15, requires that students receive those vaccines specified by the Department of Public Health before being admitted to school, unless the student has a medical or religious exemption. If there is a reason for this exemption, this must be supplied in writing to the school nurse prior to enrollment. Religious exemptions must be submitted yearly, at the start of each school year.

School immunization regulations, 105 CMR 220.000, were recently amended in early 2010. Please see the table below, which summarizes the current requirements and the new regulations effective fall of 2011.

Current Requirements and New Requirements Effective Fall 2021:

The following immunizations are required by the state for entrance into school:

DPT vaccines - 5 MMR vaccines - 2

Polio vaccines - 4 Varicella vaccines - 2

Hepatitis B vaccines -3 Lead test - 1

If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse or the DPH Immunization Program at 617-983-6800. Information is also available on the Immunization Program website: www.mass.gov/dph/imm

Medication

Students are not allowed to keep any type of medication in their possession during school hours. All prescription medication should be delivered by the parent/guardian directly to the school nurse in a container labeled by the pharmacist. Parents/Guardians should provide only enough medicine for the exact amount of doses given in school. Students on long-term medication should have no more than a 30 day supply at school. Parents/Guardians must provide a written physician signed and dated request authorizing the administration of and reason for the medication. No over the counter medications including Tylenol and Ibuprofen will be given without written parental/guardian consent.

Physicals

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires a list of all immunizations and a physical exam prior to beginning kindergarten and third grade.