A Guide to North Carolina School Vaccine Requirements

As a new school year gets underway, it’s important for parents to follow the recommended N.C. Department of Health and Human Services vaccination schedule for children.

In order to be fully protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, many of which can be life-threatening, children should receive all age-appropriate immunizations. Almost all daycare centers, schools, and colleges across the country and right here in the Triad area require proof of vaccinations before enrolling new students.

Vaccinations are an important part of a child and community’s long-term health and wellbeing:

• The immunity vaccines provide can help protect a child from life-threatening diseases
• Vaccines work with the body’s natural defenses to help build up immunity to disease
• Vaccines are timed intentionally for maximum effectiveness so following a recommended immunization schedule is important
• Vaccines have been rigorously tested and are proven to be safe and effective
• Vaccines are usually covered by insurance and can, in turn, prevent long-term healthcare costs related to vaccine-preventable diseases
• Immunized individuals (children and adults) protect themselves and others by helping prevent the spread of disease

Most vaccinations happen between birth and age six. Some vaccines are given more than once, at different ages, and in certain combinations. It’s important to keep track of your child’s immunization history. To prevent future headaches, find out how to save your child’s vaccination records so you’ll have them ready for any school or daycare requests.

Protect your child by scheduling a vaccine appointment with your LeBauer HealthCare provider today.

North Carolina vaccination requirements for kindergarten-age children are as follows:

• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis – 5 doses
• Polio – 4 doses
• Measles – 2 doses
• Mumps – 2 doses
• Rubella – 1 dose
• Haemophilus Influenzae type B – 4 doses
• Hepatitis B – 3 doses
• Varicella – 2 doses
• Pneumococcal conjugate – 4 doses

North Carolina vaccination requirements for 7th grade-age children are as follows:

• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis – 5 doses
• Polio – 4 doses
• Measles – 2 doses
• Mumps – 2 doses
• Rubella – 1 dose
• Haemophilus Influenzae type B – 4 doses
• Hepatitis B – 3 doses
• Varicella – 1 dose
• Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis – 1 dose
• Meningococcal conjugate – 4 doses

North Carolina vaccination requirements for 12th grade-age children are as follows:

• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis – 5 doses
• Polio – 4 doses
• Measles – 2 doses
• Mumps – 2 doses
• Rubella – 1 dose
• Haemophilus Influenzae type B – 4 doses
• Hepatitis B – 3 doses
• Varicella – 1 dose
• Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis – 1 dose
• Meningococcal conjugate – 2 doses

If your child is headed to college next year, make sure their vaccination records are up to date and you have copies on hand, as they’ll likely be required for enrollment. Find out more about why young adults and teens should get vaccinated.

The CDC recommends everyone 12 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccination to help protect against COVID-19. If you have a child 12 years and older who hasn’t received a COVID-19 vaccination, you can:

• Check your local pharmacy’s website to schedule a vaccination appointment
• Check with your LeBauer HealthCare provider to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination

Avoid a second crisis during the pandemic by sticking to your child’s vaccine schedule.

In an effort to ensure your child’s vaccination schedule goes as planned, be sure to ask your doctor:

• What kind of side effects to expect after routine vaccinations, and ask for any specific symptoms that would be cause for concern.
• Do they participate in an immunization registry? A registry can be a big help to ensure your child’s vaccination records will always be available electronically.
• Do they have an immunization reminder or recall system in place? If not, be sure to always bring your child’s immunization records to appointments to ensure you stick to the recommended vaccination schedule.

If your child missed any recommended vaccinations, don’t worry! Contact your LeBauer HealthCare provider to determine a vaccination schedule that will get your child back on track. For more information about how to have a successful school year, check out these back-to-school health tips.

All 50 states have laws that require specific vaccines for students. In North Carolina, you can request a vaccine exemption for medical or religious reasons.

Protect your child by scheduling a vaccine appointment with your LeBauer HealthCare provider today.