DC School Vaccination Requirements for the 2023-24 School Year
Immunization Law and Policy in the District
The Immunization of School Students Act of 1979 established standards for immunizing District students against preventable childhood diseases. To help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, all students attending school in DC must be fully immunized.
DC Health has updated the definition of compliance with the school immunization requirements. Beginning in the 2023-24 school year, DC Health will no longer differentiate between “due” and “overdue” in the determination of compliance. Under the new definition, once a student is due for a vaccine, that student is considered non-compliant.
Limiting Temporary Exclusion
In the 2023-24 school year, only non-compliant students in grades pre-K 3, Kindergarten, 7, and 11 will be eligible for temporary exclusion. These grades were selected because they occur soon after age bands in which vaccines are first recommended. Most students in these grades will not “age into” non-compliance during the school year.
Resources from DC Health
School Immunization Requirements Guide_Effective June 2023
SY23-24 Change in compliance determination – Schools
SY23-24 Change in compliance determination – Provider – One Pager
2023 Pediatric Vaccine Locations
2023 Pediatric Vaccination Opportunities Calendar
PowerPoint Slide about School Vaccine Requirements for Providers
2023-07-Well Child Immunization Communications Plan
Immunization Forms (Includes links to Universal Health Certificate in numerous languages)
School-Based Health Centers (Includes links to Fact Sheets and Consent Forms in numerous languages)
DC Health Immunization Program
DOCIIS (District of Columbia Immunization Information System)
Resources from DC’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)
View DC OSSE’s updated resources below to help guarantee students are ready for school.
School Immunization Policy: School Year 2023-24
District of Columbia School Immunization Policy Key Dates for the 2023-24 School Year (Updated July 2023)
School Immunization Policy and Resource for LEA and School Leaders
School Immunization Policy and Resources for Families
School Immunization Policy and Resources for School Registrars and Front Office Staff
Resources from Black Coalition Against COVID (BCAC)
Vaccine-related Resources (Includes links to Faith and Community Resources)
Where to Get Childhood Vaccines in DC: Information for Families
Vaccines are the best defense we have against many dangerous infectious diseases.
Any child attending a school or daycare in DC, must submit a completed Universal Health Certificate every year to show they are getting the healthcare and vaccinations they need. Your healthcare provider may also provide a different proof of immunization document or an exemption explanation. For more information, please see the District of Columbia School Immunization Policy.
The best place for DC families to get children their necessary vaccinations is their primary medical provider. If your family does not have a provider or can’t get a vaccine appointment right away, you can find a provider from DC Health’s list of Vaccine Locations.
You can also find free vaccines for your kids by looking at the DC Health’s August 2023 Pediatric Vaccination Opportunities Calendar.
Stay connected to Medicaid health plan services and community programs. Learn more about the 2023 Back-to-School Summer Health Series.
Paying for Children’s Vaccines: Information for Families
- DC HealthCHECK – If your child is enrolled in DC Medicaid, they are eligible for free HealthCHECK check-ups from birth up to 21 years of age. Free check-ups include recommended vaccines. Learn more about DCHealthCHECK.
- Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program – This program provides free vaccines to children (under 19 years old) who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured, or American Indian/Alaska Native. Ask your child’s doctor or nurse about the Vaccines for Children program.
- If you have health insurance, the cost of routine childhood vaccines are usually covered. Call your health insurance if you have any questions.
- If you are a DC resident and need health insurance for your family, visit DC Health Link.
- Paying for Vaccines– No one should skip vaccinations because they can’t pay for them. There are several programs available to help people who can’t afford to pay for recommended vaccines. Check out Vaccinate Your Family’s online tool for more information.
Most parents choose to vaccinate their children according to the recommended schedule. But some parents may still have questions about vaccines. Visit these websites to help you find the answers:
Black Coalition Against COVID (Also visit YouTube)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)