School Entry Requirements

Immunizations

The State Immunization Board determines immunization requirements for school entry. Immunization records should be presented to the school staff at the time of enrollment. Please communicate promptly with school staff if your child has not completed the required immunizations.

Tuberculosis (TB) Testing

The Board of Education recognizes that tuberculosis poses a public health threat. Treatment of active cases of this disease is the most effective means of controlling its spread.  The County Public Health Officer requires tuberculosis screening, and follow-up if appropriate, before students enter school.  All students entering the school district must provide proof of a recent TB risk assessment or testing if indicated.

School Entry Requirements (as of July 1, 2019)

Students Admitted to TK/K - 12 Need:

  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, Tdap, or Td) - 5 doses
    • 4 doses OK if one was given on or after 4th birthday
    • 3 doses OK if one was given on or after 7th birthday
    • For 7-12th graders, at least 1 dose of pertussis-containing vaccine is required on or after 7th birthday.
  • Polio (OPV or IPV) - 4 doses
    • 3 doses OK if one was given on or after 4th birthday
  • Hepatitis B - 3 doses
    • Not required for 7th grade entry
  • Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) - 2 doses
    • Both given on or after 1st birthday
  • Varicella (Chickenpox) - 2 doses

These immunization requirements apply to new admissions and transfers for all grades, including transitional kindergarten.

Students Starting 7th Grade Need:

  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) - 1 dose
    • Whooping cough booster usually given at 11 years and up
  • Varicella (Chickenpox) - 2 doses
    • Usually given at ages 12 months and 4-6 years

In addition, the TK/K-12 immunization requirements apply to 7th graders who;

  • previously had a valid personal beliefs exemption field before 2016 upon entry between TK/Kindergarten and 6th grade
  • are new admissions.

Records:

California schools are required to check immunization records for all new student admissions at TK/Kindergarten through 12th grade and all students advancing to 7th grade before entry. Parents must show their child's Immunization Record as proof of immunization.

To make appointments for immunizations or learn more about specific requirements contact the San Luis Public Health Department at 805-781-5500 or visit www.shotsforschool.org .

MEDICAL EXEMPTIONS

On January 1, 2021, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) launched the California Immunization Registry  to request, issue, manage, and track medical exemptions from required immunizations for children in child care/preschool and school (grades K-12). Current state law requires that if your child needs a medical exemption, go to the California Immunization Registry - Medical Exemption web site  at https://cair.cdph.ca.gov/exemptions/home  to request a medical  exemption.

FIRST GRADE CHECK-UP REQUIREMENT

Your child is required to have a health check-up sometime during the 18 months before entering first grade.  You may wish to have this done when getting boosters for kindergarten entrance.  Some lower income families can obtain boosters and the check-up free or at reduced cost. Information is available in the office.

ORAL HEALTH CHECK-UP

Your child is required to have a dental check-up by May 31 of his/her first year in public school.  Please ask your dentist to complete the Oral Health Assessment form and return to our office.  If your child had a dental check-up in the 12 months before he/she started school, ask you dentist to fill out Section 2.  

Oral Health Assessment  Form