Do students need to be vaccinated to go to school in SLO County? What to know
As students prepare to return to class in San Luis Obispo County, it’s time to stock up on school supplies and make sure your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date.
In California, families must orovide children’s immunization records as proof of vaccination before they can attend public and private schools, child care centers, day cares, nursery schools and developmental centers, according to the California Department of Public Health.
“Vaccination prevents the spread of serious illnesses, reduces hospitalizations, saves lives, and helps keep kids in school and doing the activities they love,” the state Public Health Department said in a news release on Tuesday, July 22.
Here’s what local families need to know about vaccine requirements in SLO County:
Why are vaccines required to go to SLO County schools?
Students attending schools in San Luis Obispo County must adhere to state vaccination requirements in order to attend class, according to Kristin Edler, supervising public health nurse for San Luis Obispo County.
According to state law, children must be immunized against several childhood diseases, including:
- Diphtheria (DTaP)
- Hepatitis B (Hep B)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Measles (MMR)
- Mumps (MMR)
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Poliomyelitis (polio)
- Rubella (MMR)
- Tetanus (DTaP)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
Edler said these requirements are necessary to keep viruses from spreading in congregate settings, including schools.
“Most vaccine preventable diseases are spread person-to-person,” she said. “Vaccines help protect students, staff, family and the community from serious vaccine-preventable diseases.”
When a community has heightened numbers of vaccinated children and adults, more people are immune from contagious diseases and the risk of spread is drastically minimized, Edler explained.
That is how herd immunity happens, she said.
Which vaccines do SLO County children need for child care?
Before attending a school or a licensed child care program, here’s when children need to have received the following vaccines:
Required doses for infants ages 2 to 3 months:
- One polio
- One DTaP
- One Hep B
- One Hib
Required doses for infants ages 4 to 5 months:
- Two polio
- Two DTaP
- Two Hep B
- Two Hib
Required doses for infants ages 6 to 14 months:
- Two Polio
- Three DTaP
- Two Hep B
- Two Hib
Required doses for toddlers age 15 to 17 months:
- Three Polio
- Three DTaP
- Two Hep B
- One Hib (on or after first birthday)
- One Varicella
- One MMR (on or after first birthday)
Required doses for children ages 18 months to 5 years:
- Three polio
- Four DTaP
- Three Hep B
- One Hib (on or after first birthday)
- One varicella
- One MMR (on or after first birthday)
What are vaccine requirements for children attending elementary school?
Students entering transitional kindergarten or kindergarten need records indicating they’ve received the following vaccines:
- Five doses of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis
- Four doses of polio
- Three doses of hepatitis B
- Two doses of measles, mumps and rubella
- Two doses of varicella
What about middle or high school?
New or transferring students in TK through 12th grade need to show proof that they’ve had all required vaccines for their age.
Students in grades seventh through 12th must have at least one dose of a whooping cough vaccine given after their seventh birthday.
The hepatitis B vaccine is required for students in all grades except when starting seventh grade.
Students starting seventh grade must have a Tdap shot, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine required in SLO County schools?
The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended but not required for students attending schools in San Luis Obispo County, Elder told The Tribune.
The latest COVID-19 vaccine was released in fall 2024.
According to the California Department of Public Health, staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations can reduce the risk of disease and prevent severe cases that can lead to hospitalization or death.
As of June 2025, individuals ages 6 months and older are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Can I get a vaccine exemption for my child?
Even though California requires students to receive certain immunizations, some children can claim medical exemptions, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Your pediatrician or specialty care provider must submit a medical exemption to the California Immunization Registry explaining their reasoning for the child not going through with the vaccination.
The state then reviews it and determines whether to validate the exemption, Elder said.
“For example, if I had a child that was immunocompromised for some reason or on chemotherapy, and they couldn’t receive a live vaccine because it would potentially give them that disease ... then that would probably be approved by the state to give a medical exemption,” Elder said.
Where can my child get vaccinated?
Parents with private insurance can schedule vaccine appointments with their child’s pediatrician or at a local pharmacist, according to the SLO County Department of Public Health.
The health department also provides shots to local children that are eligible for MediCal or are uninsured, according to its website.
“All are welcome regardless of health insurance coverage or ability to pay,” the agency said on its website. “The Public Health Department offers a sliding fee discount program.”
Vaccinations are available year-round during regular business hours at the county Public Health Department.
