Immunization Requirement for School Entry

All students are required to have an updated Certificate of Immunization, prior to entering kindergarten or first grade or prior to re-entering the higher grade as mandated by the State of Alabama (Code of Alabama 1975, δ16-30-4). The Certificate of Immunization must be on the form approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health. 

• Children entering school are required by Alabama Law to present a Certificate of Immunization, formerly known as a “Blue Card." If a child has received all required vaccines and only needs a Certificate of Immunization, these can be printed from the child's school. 
• Children entering Kindergarten need boosters of DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis), Polio, MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella), and Varicella.  
• Children age 11 and entering the 6^th grade need a Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and Pertussis) vaccination.

If you are unsure whether your child needs shots, check with your pediatric provider or the local county health department. For more information, visit the Alabama Department of Public Health website at www.adph.org/immunization

 

A written objection from the parent or guardian of a student or child based on religious tenets and practices shall be submitted in person by the parent or guardian to the County Health Department for issuance of a Certificate of Religious Exemption from the required immunizations or testing.

 

Medical Exemption
A licensed healthcare provider can provide individual exemptions from the required immunizations or testing on a Certificate of Medical Exemption. The Certificate of Medical Exemptions is required to be on forms approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health and will be accepted in lieu of the Certificate of Immunization.

Vaccinating our children against preventable diseases is one of the most important ways parents and caregivers can protect our students from communicable diseases.