WS Chronicle

ALEX INGRAM 

THE CHRONICLE 

 As summer winds down and families begin preparing for a new school year, one essential task often overlooked until the last minute is updating children’s immunizations. In North Carolina, state law requires that children receive specific vaccines before attending public, private or home schools – and the deadlines are firm. 

Why Immunizations Matter 

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools for protecting children and communities against preventable diseases such as measles, whooping cough (pertussis), and meningitis. With recent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses across the country, including a reported measles case in North Carolina earlier this summer, public health officials are urging families to stay up to date on immunization schedules. 

“Vaccines are safe, effective, and crucial for maintaining a healthy learning environment,” said a spokesperson from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). “Ensuring your child is protected helps prevent the spread of disease in schools and the broader community.” 

Required Vaccines for School Entry 

North Carolina law mandates the following immunizations depending on a child’s grade level: 

Kindergarten Entry: 

*5 doses of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) 

*4 doses of Polio (with the last dose on or after the fourth birthday) 

*2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) 

*3 doses of Hepatitis B 

*2 doses of Varicella (chickenpox) or documented disease history 

*Hib and Pneumococcal vaccines for children under age 5 entering school or Pre-K 

7th Grade Entry: 

*1 dose of Tdap booster 

*1 dose of Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) 

12th Grade Entry: 

*Booster dose of MCV (unless the first dose was administered after the child turned 16) 

Children must have proof of these immunizations on file within 30 calendar days of starting school. Failure to comply may result in exclusion from school until the proper documentation is provided. 

Exemptions and Documentation 

While the state allows for medical and religious exemptions, it does not permit exemptions based on personal or philosophical beliefs. Exemption requests must be submitted in writing and meet state documentation requirements. 

Families are encouraged to work with their child’s pediatrician or local health department to obtain an updated Certificate of Immunization. This certificate must be presented to the school, along with a recent health assessment for first-time public-school enrollees. 

More Than Just a Requirement 

Keeping children up to date on vaccines is not just about meeting school rules – it’s about building a foundation for lifelong health. According to the CDC, routine childhood immunizations prevent an estimated 14 million cases of disease and 33,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. 

Parents and guardians should also consider additional recommended – but not required – vaccines, such as: 

*HPV (to prevent certain cancers) 

*Hepatitis A 

*Influenza (flu) 

*COVID-19 (depending on age and eligibility) 

Local Resources 

Most local health departments in North Carolina offer back-to-school immunization clinics. Many offer walk-in hours or appointments, and some provide vaccines at low or no cost through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. 

For more information on vaccine schedules and clinic locations, visit the N.C. Immunization Branch website or contact your county health department.