2016 Immunization Requirements for Massachusetts Schools

It's almost time to send the kids back to school, but before you finish buying the backpacks and notebooks, there are a few even more important items on the checklist — getting up-to-date on your child's vaccinations.

Not only is it recommended, it's lawfully required in almost all cases.

The only exemptions under Massachusetts law is when a child's parent or guardian submits a written statement that vaccination or immunization conflicts with their sincere religious beliefs. That exemption is waived in the case of disease emergencies or epidemics.

Aside from those very select cases, here are the vaccination requirements and dosages by grade, according to the state health department:

Hepatitis B

• Child Care/Preschool: 3 doses
• Kindergarten: 3 doses
• Grades 1-6: 3 doses
• Grades 7-12: 3 doses
• College: 3 doses (for all health science students and full-time undergraduate and graduate students)

DTaP/DTP/DT/Td/Tdap

• Child Care/Preschool: ≥4 doses DTaP/DTP
• Kindergarten: 5 doses DTaP/DTP
• Grades 1-6: ≥4 doses DTaP/DTP or ≥3 doses Td
• Grades 7-12: 4 doses DTaP/DTP or ≥3 doses Td; Plus 1 dose Tdap
• College: 1 dose Tdap (for all health science students and full-time undergraduate and graduate students)

Polio

• Child Care/Preschool: ≥3 doses
• Kindergarten: 4 doses
• Grades 1-6: ≥3 doses
• Grades 7-12: ≥3 doses
• College: N/A

Hib

• Child Care/Preschool: 1 to 4 doses
• Kindergarten: N/A
• Grades 1-6: N/A
• Grades 7-12: N/A
• College: N/A

MMR

• Child Care/Preschool: 1 dose
• Kindergarten: 2 doses
• Grades 1-5: 2 doses
• Grade 6: 2 doses measles, 1 mumps, 1 rubella (See Phase-In Schedule)
• Grade 7-12: 2 doses
• College: 2 doses for all health science students and full-time undergraduate and graduate students)

Varicella

• Child Care/Preschool: 1 dose
• Kindergarten: 2 doses
• Grades 1-5: 2 doses
• Grade 6: 1 dose (See Phase-In Schedule)
• Grade 7-12: 2 doses
• College: 2 doses (for all health science students and full-time undergraduate and graduate students)

Meningococcal

• Child Care/Preschool: N/A
• Kindergarten: N/A
• Grades 1-6: N/A
• Grades 7-12: 1 dose for new full-time residential students
• College: 1 dose for full-time residential students

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