Immunization Resources TK/K-12 School Staff

California school immunization laws require students attending public or private elementary and secondary schools, grades TK/K-12, to meet certain immunization requirements before starting school. Schools are required to enforce immunization requirements, maintain immunization records, and submit reports.

Help your students get the vaccines they need for school. Here you will find information and resources for students and staff to make sure your school is compliant with California immunization requirements.

California Health and Safety Code Sections 120325-120375

Vaccine Requirements for Students in Grades TK/K-12 and School Staff & Volunteers

California immunization laws require TK/K-12 students to show proof of immunizations before starting school. These laws apply to children in both in-person and remote learning environments. Additional vaccines are needed for advancement to 7^th grade (or for all grades for newly admitted students.)

New COVID-19 vaccine or testing requirements are also in place for school staff and volunteers working at TK/K-12 school sites as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below is a breakdown of immunization requirements for children, staff, and volunteers.

TK/K-12 Students

Students in grades TK/K-12 are required to show proof of the following vaccines:

Use the California Immunization Requirements for K-12th Grade* handout to review and verify required vaccines for students at your school.

Guía de Requistos de Vacunacion Para Grados K-12 (Incluyendo Kíder transición) (Spanish)

*Parent-friendly versions are available on our Parents and Guardians Resource page in multiple languages to handout and promote required vaccines.

7th Grade Advancement

The following additional vaccines are required for students advancing to 7th grade (or for students of any grade that are newly admitted, including students from out of state.)

Use the Ready for 7th Grade handout to provide information about immunization requirements for 7th grade advancement

¿Listo para el 7° grado? (Spanish)

Visit the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Immunization Branch Shots Required for TK/K-12 and 7th Grade web page for more information.

Recommended Immunizations For Ages 7-18

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School Staff & Volunteers

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in TK/K-12 schools, the state of California is mandating public health measures for school staff and volunteers. This mandate applies to public and private schools serving students in TK/K-12 grade, but does not apply to home schools.

According to the State Public Health Officer Order—Vaccine Verification for Workers in Schools (8/11/21) TK/K-12 school staff and volunteers are required to:

Show proof that they are fully vaccinated (two or more weeks from the date you received your final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine) OR
Comply with weekly COVID-19 testing requirements

*Visit our K-12 School Sector web page for more information and guidance related to COVID-19.

Find a COVID-19 Testing Site

Find a COVID-19 Vaccines Site

See Community Testing, Vaccination, and Outreach Events Calendar

Immunization Trainings for Child Care and School Staff

The San Diego Immunization Program provides FREE trainings related to state-mandated immunization requirements. All trainings are tailored specifically for staff in K-12 schools and pre-kindergarten programs.

Trainings intended for all school staff who transcribe and review immunization records, including:

School Nurses
Health Technicians
School Administrators
School Registrars
Health IT Staff

Health care providers and social service staff are also welcomed to attend the trainings.

See Training Dates & Times

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Verifying Required Student Immunizations

The following webpage provides a step-by-step guide to help staff verify and document student immunization status. Each step includes resources, handouts, and job aids needed to assist with enforcing immunization requirements, maintaining immunization records, and submitting reports.

Additional information can also be found in the California Immunization Handbook.

See Step-By-Step Guide for Verifying Required Student Immunizations

Teenage Students Studying Percussion In Music Class

Happy students and teacher examinig tree stump

Teacher With Male Pupils Building Robotic Vehicle In Science Lesson

Resources for School Staff

County of San Diego

Vaccines for All Ages and Stages—Learn more about which vaccines are recommended at different stages in life.
School Vaccine Information for Parents and Guardians
Immunization Material Request—Request immunization materials for your site, including posters, handouts, and California School Immunization Records (blue cards).
Reportable Diseases and Conditions —Information on disease reporting requirements in San Diego County.
K-12 Schools Sector—Information and resources to support school staff, students, and families.
San Diego Immunization Coalition (SDIC)

CDPH

Immunization Branch
- Shots for School
  - Regulation FAQs and Immunization Requirements Updates—Changes made in immunization laws and policies from 2019.
EZIZ.org—A One Stop Shop for Immunization Training and Resources

Job Aids

California Immunization Handbook (2021)—A guide on pre-kindergarten (child care) and school immunization requirements for programs and schools. Includes information on immunization requirements, conditional admission, documenting immunization records, and reporting.
Vaccine Acronyms & Abbreviations for Child Care and Schools
Vaccine Catch-up for School—Catch-up schedule to help track upcoming vaccine doses for students ages 7 or older that do not have an immunization record or are behind on their vaccines.