Immunizations

Required Immunizations for Attending School in Maine

All children attending a public school or participating in any public school program in person, on school grounds, or a private school in Maine must have the following immunizations:


Required for PreK entry:

  • 4 DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)

  • 3 Polio

  • 1 MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)

  • 1 Varicella (chickenpox) or reliable documented history provided by a physician or other primary care provider


Required for Kindergarten entry:

  • 5 DTaP (4 DTaP if 4th is given on or after 4th birthday)

  • 4 Polio (3 Polio if the 3rd is given on or after the 4th birthday)

  • 2 MMR

  • 2 Varicella (chickenpox) or reliable documented history provided by a physician or other primary care provider

Required for 7th grade entry:

  • All previously required vaccines

  • 1 Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

  • 1 Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4)


OR

  • Medical exemption for one or all vaccines

  • Laboratory evidence of immunity to specific diseases

  • Philosophical or religious exemptions are only allowable for students with an IEP and exemption in place prior to September 1, 2021

Each immunization entry must include the vaccine type, date administered and the name of the provider. As of September 1, 2021 only medical exemptions are allowable except as described in Title 20-A §6355

School Vaccination Rule FAQs



New Immunization Law (LD 798) to go into effect 2021-2022 School year.

The State of Maine voted into law a change to the immunization requirements for all Maine students. Beginning in the school year 2021-2022 philosophical and religious exemptions will no longer be allowed. The only valid exemption will be a medical exemption signed by the child's healthcare provider. If your child is not fully immunized and they do not have a Medical exemption they will not be allowed to attend school as of 9/1/2021. There are exceptions for students with a current IEP in place. Please contact your School Nurse for more information. School Vaccination Rule FAQs

Important Information for Parents of students Entering 7th Grade in 2021-2022 school year

All students entering 7th Grade required to have documentation of having had a TDaP (Tetanus, Diptheria,and Pertussis) and Meningococcal immunizations or an exemption on file before the start of the school year.

Please contact your child's health care provider to be sure they are up to date with these immunizations. Please submit proof of immunization to the school. If you have any questions please contact Joan Holmes RN, School Nurse at jholmes@sacoschools.org or 207-282-4181 ext. 2400

Parent/Guardian Memo

FAQ's Meningococcal immunization

FAQ's Tdap immunization