Back to School in the Rivertowns: New York's 2016-17 Immunization Requirements

DOBBS FERRY, NY — The start of school is just around the corner. And while it’s important to shop for new clothes and supplies, it’s even more important to make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date.

Vaccinations are required in New York state, except in very certain circumstances. Exceptions will be made for medical reasons. Students can also be waived from the vaccination requirement if vaccines are contrary to their parents’ sincere religious beliefs.

Here are the vaccination requirements for children in New York for the 2016-17 school year:

Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis vaccine (DTaP/DTP/Tdap)

• Prekindergarten: Four doses.
• Kindergarten-Grade 5: four or five doses if the fourth dose was received at 4 years of age or older, or three doses if aged 7 years or older and the series was started at 1 year of age or older.
• Grades 6-12: Three doses.

Polio

• Prekindergarten: Three doses.
• Kindergarten-Grade 2: Three or four doses if the third dose was received at 4 years of age or older.
• Grades 3-5: Three doses.
• Grades 6-8: Three or four doses if the third dose was received at 4 years of age or older.
• Grades 9-12: Three doses.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

• Prekindergarten: One dose.
• Kindergarten-Grade 12: Two doses.

Hepatitis B

• Prekindergarten: Three doses.
• Kindergarten-Grade 12: Two or three doses of adult hepatitis B vaccine for children who received the doses at least four months apart between the ages of 11 and 15.

Chickenpox

• Prekindergarten: One dose.
• Kindergarten-Grade 2: Two doses.
• Grades 3-5: One dose.
• Grades 6-8: Two doses.
• Grades 9-12: One dose.

Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)

• Prekindergarten-Grade 5: Not applicable.
• Grades 6-8: One dose by Grade 7.
• Grades 9-12: Two doses in Grade 12 or one dose if the dose was received at 16 years of age or older.

Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate (Hib)

• Prekindergarten: One to four doses.
• Kindergarten-Grade 12: Not applicable.

Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV)

• Prekindergarten: One to four doses.
• Kindergarten-Grade 12: Not applicable.

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