California School Immunization Law
The California School Immunization Law requires that children be up-to-date on their immunizations (shots) to attend school or child care. Most children need booster shots before starting kindergarten. Seventh grade entry requirements went into effect July 1, 1999. A varicella (chickenpox) requirement for kindergarten entry and child care attendance went into effect July 1, 2001.
The California School Immunization Law requires that children receive a series of immunizations before entry to schools, child care centers, or family child care homes. In addition, the California School Immunization Law requires schools, child care centers, and family child care homes to enforce immunization requirements, to maintain immunization records of all children enrolled, and to submit reports to the health department. The 7th edition of the California Immunization Handbook for Schools and Child Care Programs explains these requirements and the responsibilities they entail.