From the Washington State Department of Health
Children entering school, child care, or other early learning programs are required to have certain vaccinations before they can start. These requirements are put into place to protect children, families, and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. Immunization requirements apply to all enrolled children, including those learning remotely.
The parent or guardian of a child must provide documentation of vaccination or proof of immunity to specific diseases. This requirement is based on the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Immunization Schedule for school or child care registration and attendance. The specific diseases are listed and linked below:
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria
- German measles (Rubella)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Hepatitis B
- Measles
- Mumps
- Pneumococcal disease
- Polio (Poliomyelitis)
- Tetanus
- Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
The School and Child Care Immunization Requirement Charts and Individual Vaccine Requirements Summary (IVRS) for 2025-2026 have been published on the School and Child Care Immunizations website www.doh.wa.gov/SCCI.
The Department of Health (DOH) has updated guidance on immunization requirements for children entering transitional kindergarten (TK) and preschool. These changes will better protect children attending school from vaccine-preventable diseases. This guidance will be implemented for the 2025-2026 school year.
- Updated immunization requirements for kindergarten, including transitional kindergarten, and preschool will apply to children 4 years and older.
- Children who are 4 years old by September 1 will need booster doses of DTaP, IPV, MMR, and varicella. Children will also need PCV and Hib vaccines until they reach age 5.
- Children who turn 4 years old after September 1 do not need to meet the requirements for 4-year-olds until the next school year.
The Department made these changes in part because the Office of Superintendent for Public Instruction (OSPI) recognized transitional kindergarten as a part of kindergarten under RCW 28A.150.315, stating that “transitional kindergarten meets the requirements of full-day kindergarten.” It is the DOH’s responsibility to align the Advisory Committee of Immunization Practice’s guidance to school grades, which recommends certain vaccinations before school entry.
ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION
Classroom and Common Area Allergy Information
Touching Safety Program Overview
