August is Immunization Awareness Month

Published July 2025

A time when parents get their children ready to go back to school.

Some parents may have concerns that vaccines have harmful side effects. As you educate and discuss immunization needs with the parents/child it’s important to remind them that in NYS and Vermont, certain vaccines are mandatory for acceptance into day care, and pre-K—12th grade.

School-Age Vaccine Check List

Recommended Vaccines for Children and Adolescents:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) – Initial dose of the HPV vaccine after they turn nine years old
• Flu – Children (over six months old) should get their flu shot each year
• COVID-19 – The CDC recommends children (over six months old) get their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines and receive a booster dose when eligible

Parents must show proof of a child’s up to date immunization within 14 days of the first day of school or day care. The only exemption from vaccinations in NYS is a valid medical exemption. To obtain a valid medical exemption in NYS, the NYSDOH Bureau of Immunization/Division of Epidemiology requires the ‘Immunization Requirements for School Attendance Medical Exemption Statement for Children 0-18 Years of Age’ form. (This form is number DOH-5077 and can be found at health.ny.gov/forms/doh-5077.pdf). A NYS licensed physician must complete the medical exemption statement.

In Vermont, exemptions from vaccination requirements are allowed for religious or medical reasons. The medical immunization exempt form is available by visiting healthvermont.gov/disease-control and selecting Immunizations, then Immunization Information for Child Care and School Providers. The form must be completed by the child’s health care Provider.