Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO BE READY FOR SCHOOL?

• Meet North Carolina Immunization Guidelines
• All students enrolling in a North Carolina public school for the first time must have a physical assessment for enrollment. Get form Here

WHERE CAN I SEE THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON NC REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS?

North Carolina General Statutes

WHAT ARE THE IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS? 

North Carolina Immunization Guidelines

HOW DO I PROVE MY CHILD HAS THE RIGHT IMMUNIZATIONS?

Ask your doctor for a Certificate of Immunization (vaccine record)

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE THE CERTIFICATE OF IMMUNIZATION?

30 calendar days from the first day of attendance.

WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES CAN MAKE MY STUDENT EXCEPT FROM IMMUNIZATION?

North Carolina Immunization Exemptions

IF MY STUDENT IS ALREADY ENROLLED, ARE ADDITIONAL IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIRED?

Students who will enter the 7th grade this year must receive one dose of Tdap vaccine and one dose of Meningoccal (MCV) vaccine for individuals who have not already received those vaccines.

Students who will enter the 12th grade must receive a second dose of Meningoccal (MCV) vaccine if they have not already received this dose.

North Carolina Immunization Guidelines

Required Vaccines for all Students - Kindergarten through 12th grade

DTP/DtaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis): Five doses

The last dose must be after the fourth birthday If the 4th dose is given on or after the 4th birthday, the fifth dose is not required

Polio (IPV): Four doses

If the third dose is given on or after the fourth birthday, a forth dose is not required

HIB (Haemophilus Influenza Type b: If child is 5 or older, HIb is not required.

Hepatitis B: Three doses

The last dose of the vaccine series shall not be administered prior to 24 weeks of age.

MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)

Measles: Two doses Separated by at lease 30 days. 1st dose on or after 1st birthday

Mumps: One or Two doses One dose on or after age 12 months for all students Two doses for students entering school for the first time on or after July 1, 2008

Rubella: One dose Administered on or after the first birthday

Varicella: Zero, One or Two doses

None for students born before April 1, 2001 One dose for students born on or after April 1, 2001 administered on or after 12 months of age Two doses for students entering kindergarten after July 1, 2015

Vaccines Required for Students Entering 7th Grade after July 1, 2015

Tdap (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis): One dose for student who have not previously received it

MCV (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine): One dose

Vaccines Required for Students Entering 12th Grade after August 1, 2020

MCV (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine): Second dose

Additional Information

HPV Vaccine

Flu Fact Sheet

MCV Fact Sheet

Meningitis Fact Sheet