The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires specific examinations and
immunizations that children must have before they enter school as well
as throughout their school career. These requirements are outlined as
follows:
IMMUNIZATIONS
Each child must have:
• 4 or more doses of tetanus-diphtheria vaccine (DT or DPT) *Fourth dose shall be administered on or after the fourth birthday
• 4 or more doses of oral polio vaccine (OPV) * Fourth dose shall be administered on or after the fourth birthday
• 3 doses of Hepatitis B Vaccine
The following must have been administered after 12 months of age:
• 2 doses of the MMR / OR
o 2 doses of measles vaccine or measles serology
o 1 dose of rubella vaccine or rubella serology
o 1 dose of mumps vaccine or mumps disease diagnosed by a physician
o 2 doses of varicella vaccine or documentation that the child had chickenpox
Under the law, children that have not received the required vaccines may
not enter school. If you have not completed the immunization program,
you are urged to contact your medical provider. The school nurse in the
building where your child will attend school may be of help if you have
any questions. Remember that each child must have ALL the immunizations.
The only exceptions are for religious or medical (if the child cannot
receive the vaccine) reasons.