Brady Collins
In New York, children must receive their first dose of all required vaccines within 14 days of the first day of school or daycare. The required vaccines to attend daycare, pre-K, and kindergarten in New York include the Diphtheria and Tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine and Pertussis vaccine (DTaP or Tdap). The state of New York has also banned religious and non-medical exemptions for school vaccine requirements. In New York City, children under the age of 6 are required to receive a flu shot by December 31st. Additionally, health officials recommend that everyone ages six months and older get the annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccines Required for School Attendance in NY | Diphtheria and Tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine and Pertussis vaccine (DTaP or Tdap) |
| Time Limit for Vaccination | Within 14 days of the first day of school or daycare |
| Religious Exemptions | Banned in New York since 2019 |
| Non-Medical Exemptions | Repealed in 2019 |
| COVID-19 Vaccines | Recommended but not required |
| Flu Shots | Required for students under the age of 6 in New York City by December 31st |
| Latest Updates | New York City has updated immunization requirements for the 2024-2025 school year |
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What You'll Learn
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccine (DTaP or Tdap)
The Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccine, known as DTaP or Tdap, is a mandatory vaccine for children attending school in New York. This vaccine is crucial in protecting against three severe bacterial infections that can cause serious, life-threatening health issues.
Diphtheria is a dangerous infection of the throat, leading to severe breathing difficulties by blocking the airway. It is highly contagious and spreads from person to person. Tetanus, often referred to as lockjaw, is an infection that invades the body through cuts or wounds. It affects the nerves throughout the body, resulting in intense muscle spasms. Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a respiratory infection with cold-like symptoms. However, it can progress to severe coughing fits and difficulty breathing, especially in children.
The DTaP vaccine is typically administered to children under seven years old as a series of five shots. For older children, adolescents, and adults, the Tdap vaccine is given as a booster dose to strengthen their immunity. This booster shot is recommended every ten years to maintain protection against these infections.
The side effects associated with the DTaP and Tdap vaccines are usually mild and may include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Other possible side effects include fever, crankiness, tiredness, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Severe reactions to the vaccines are extremely rare. However, it is important to be aware of potential allergic reactions, such as hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, or a rapid heartbeat, which require immediate medical attention.
The use of these vaccines has been instrumental in eradicating diphtheria and tetanus in childhood and significantly reducing the occurrence of pertussis cases. The vaccines are safe and effective, providing critical protection against these serious infections.
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Flu vaccine
In New York, children attending school or daycare must receive all required doses of vaccines on a recommended schedule to attend or remain in school. This includes children in public, private, or religious schools, as well as those in daycare, Head Start, pre-K, or nursery school. The only exemption is for those with valid medical reasons, and there are no religious exemptions.
The flu vaccine is not specifically mentioned as a mandatory vaccine for schoolchildren in New York. However, it is likely included in the general requirement for children to be vaccinated against certain diseases. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) establishes the recommended vaccine schedule and determines when vaccines are due.
In New York, parents must provide proof of their child's up-to-date vaccinations within 14 days of the first day of school or daycare. If a child is unvaccinated or overdue for a vaccine, they must receive the first dose of all required vaccines within the first 14 days of school. This includes the Diphtheria and Tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine and the Pertussis vaccine (DTaP or Tdap).
While the flu vaccine may not be explicitly listed as mandatory for school attendance in New York, it is a crucial vaccine that helps protect the health of children and those around them. It is recommended that parents consult with healthcare providers before the school year begins to ensure their children are up to date on all recommended vaccines, including the flu vaccine, to protect their health and well-being.
It is worth noting that even if a child has received all the required vaccines in previous years, parents should still check if additional vaccines or booster shots are needed for the current year to ensure their child's immunization is up to date.
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COVID-19 vaccine
In New York, all children attending day care or pre-K through 12th grade must receive all required doses of vaccines on the recommended schedule to attend or remain in school. This includes children in public, private, and religious schools. Within 14 days of the first day of school or daycare, parents must show proof of their child's up-to-date vaccinations or provide a valid medical exemption. A medical exemption is allowed when a child has a medical condition that prevents them from receiving a vaccine. There are no non-medical exemptions to school vaccine requirements in New York.
The specific vaccines required for school entry in New York include the Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccine (DTaP or Tdap). While the COVID-19 vaccine is not currently on this list, it is possible that it may become mandatory for school attendance in the future. This decision will likely depend on various factors, including the ongoing assessment of the pandemic situation and public health recommendations.
It is important to note that the COVID-19 vaccine has been rigorously tested and is safe for children. The U.S. has the safest and most effective vaccine supply in its history, and vaccine safety systems are in place to ensure vaccines are as safe as possible. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can protect children from future infections without making them sick. Additionally, multiple vaccines can be safely administered at the same time, reducing the number of doctor's office visits and associated stress for children.
While the COVID-19 vaccine is not yet mandatory for school attendance in New York, it is still highly recommended to help protect children and their communities from the virus. Parents are encouraged to consult with healthcare professionals and stay informed about the latest public health guidelines and vaccine recommendations for their children.
As of now, the COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory for school-going children in New York. However, this could change in the future as public health guidelines evolve. For the most up-to-date information, it is advisable to refer to the official websites of the New York State Department of Health and other relevant public health authorities.
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Religious exemptions banned
In 2019, New York ended religious exemptions for mandatory school vaccinations. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that eliminated non-medical exemptions for schoolchildren across the state. This move came in response to the nation's worst measles outbreak in decades, with New York being the hardest hit due to low vaccination rates. The bill's passage affirmed the belief that vaccines are safe and effective, and that protecting public health is the top priority.
Prior to the bill, New York allowed religious exemptions for mandatory school vaccinations. However, this exemption was criticised for being exploited by some parents and vaccine critics. In the 2017-2018 school year, 26,217 students in New York, including those in public and private schools, and children in daycare and pre-kindergarten, had religious exemptions from vaccinations. The surge in religious exemptions contributed to the measles outbreak, with health officials declaring a public health emergency in April 2019.
The bill ending religious exemptions for mandatory school vaccinations was sponsored by Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz and Sen. Brad Hoylman. It passed with Democratic support in the Legislature and took effect immediately upon Gov. Cuomo's signature. Unvaccinated students had 30 days to receive their first dose of each required immunization. Schools are required to report immunisation data annually, including the number of medical exemptions and the number of students receiving their mandatory vaccinations.
The elimination of religious exemptions for mandatory school vaccinations in New York aligns with similar actions taken by other states, including California, Mississippi, and Arizona. These states have passed laws banning vaccine exemptions on religious grounds, prioritising public health and the safety of their communities. The move to end religious exemptions in New York faced opposition from a vocal group of parents and vaccine critics, who sought narrow carve-outs for medical reasons.
While the state of New York has removed religious exemptions for mandatory school vaccinations, it is important to note that vaccination against COVID-19 is not currently required for students. However, schools must prohibit any students who are not up to date on their vaccinations, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and chickenpox, from attending class. This policy ensures that schools maintain a safe environment for all students and helps prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.
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Non-medical exemptions repealed
In June 2019, New York became the latest state to eliminate non-medical exemptions for vaccinations, amid concerns over an ongoing measles outbreak. Governor Cuomo signed the removal into law, stating:
> While I understand and respect freedom of religion, our first job is to protect the public health, and by signing this measure into law, we will help prevent further transmissions and stop this outbreak right in its tracks.
The new law means that children who were not previously vaccinated will have 14 days from the first day of school to receive the first age-appropriate dose in each immunization series, and 30 days to schedule follow-up appointments. Previously, New York law allowed children to avoid vaccinations if they contradicted the "genuine and sincere religious beliefs" of the child's parent or guardian. However, this provision was repealed, with the state following the example of California, which saw improved vaccination rates after repealing non-medical exemptions.
The repeal of non-medical exemptions was justified by state data from 2013-2014, which showed that there were at least 285 schools in New York with an immunization rate below 85%, including 170 schools below 70%. This was far below the CDC's goal of at least a 95% vaccination rate to maintain herd immunity. The United States was also experiencing its worst outbreak of measles since 1994, with outbreaks in pockets of New York primarily driving the crisis. As a result of non-medical vaccination exemptions, many communities across New York had unacceptably low rates of vaccination, contributing to the spread of the disease.
The new law ensures that those with legitimate medical reasons for not getting vaccinated can still obtain medical exemptions, while preventing abuse of this option by those without such conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
The mandatory vaccines for school-going children in New York are the Diphtheria and Tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine and Pertussis vaccine (DTaP or Tdap). In addition, the NYC Health Department requires children under the age of 6 to receive a flu shot by December 31st. COVID-19 and flu vaccines are recommended for children aged six months and older but are not required.
Within 14 days of the first day of school or daycare, parents must show proof of their child's up-to-date vaccinations or provide a valid medical exemption.
New Yorkers can get low- or no-cost immunizations at the Health Department's Fort Greene Health Center immunization clinic, regardless of immigration status. Appointments can also be scheduled at NYC Health & Hospital facilities or by calling 1-844-NYC-4NYC.
Check with your child's healthcare provider to find out which immunizations are due and to make an appointment.
