We would like to make you aware of changes to child care and school immunization requirements in effect for the 2015-16 school year in New York City (NYC). Highlights of the changes are as follows:

·          Students entering grades K through 12 are required to have 2 doses of measles- and mumps-containing vaccines, and 1 dose of rubella-containing vaccine.

·          Students entering grades K, 1, 6 and 7 are required to have 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. One dose of varicella vaccine is required for all other grades.

·          Students entering grades K, 1, 6 and 7 are required to have 4 doses of polio vaccine, unless the 3^rd dose was received at 4 years of age or older, in which case only 3 doses are required. Three doses of polio vaccine are required for all other grades.

·          Students entering grades K-5 who are less than 7 years of age are required to have 5 doses of DTaP. Four doses are acceptable if the 4^th dose was received at 4 years of age or older and 3 doses are acceptable if the series was started at age 7 years or older. Because DTaP cannot be administered to children after age 6 years, children aged 7 years and older who are not complete should receive a single dose of Tdap and, if additional doses are needed, Td until series completion. 

The full requirements are attached and available at www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/sch-med-req.pdf. The school requirements are in alignment with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations with respect to number of doses required of each vaccine and the spacing intervals between doses; seewww.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules. In most cases, if the CIR record says that a child’s immunization status is up-to-date (UTD), then that child may be considered UTD for school, as well. Alternative schedules and philosophic objections to vaccinations are not allowed. Students who are not in compliance with school immunization requirements will be excluded from school. 

Additional information on the new school requirements, including Frequently Asked Questions, is available at: www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/schools/. If you have questions about immunization requirements for school admission, please contact us at (347) 396-2400 or e-mail nycimmunize@health.nyc.gov. Thank you for keeping NYC children safe from vaccine-preventable diseases. 

Sincerely, 

Jane R. Zucker, MD, MSc

Assistant Commissioner 

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