Health Suite

Pennsylvania School Immunization Requirements

Under 24 P.S. §13-1303a and 28 Pa. Code §§23.81–23.87, children in Pennsylvania are

required to have the following vaccines to attend school:

• • DTaP/Tdap: 4 doses (1 on or after 4th birthday)
  • Polio: 4 doses (final on or after 4th birthday and 6 months after previous dose)
  • MMR: 2 doses
  • Hepatitis B: 3 doses
  • Varicella: 2 doses or proof of immunity

• • 7th Grade Entry: 1 dose Tdap and 1 dose MCV4 (in addition to previous immunizations)
  • 12th Grade Entry: 1 additional MCV4 dose (unless 1st dose was after age 16)

Exemptions are permitted only for:

• • Medical reasons (doctor’s written statement)
  • Religious beliefs
  • Strong moral or ethical convictions similar to a religious belief (See 28 Pa. Code 23.84.)

Exclusion from School:

Students who are not fully immunized and do not have an approved exemption may not

attend school and will be excluded until documentation is provided. (See 28 Pa. Code 23.85.)

Uninsured students can obtain these shots for FREE at the Allegheny County Health Department  412-578-8062

References:

• • 24 P.S. §13-1303a – School Immunization Law
  • 28 Pa. Code Chapter 23, Subchapter C – School Immunization Regulations
  • Pennsylvania Department of Health – www.health.pa.gov

Screening Requirements

Height and Weight ‐ All grades 

Vision ‐ All grades 

Dental examination ‐ Grades K‐1, 3, and 7 

Scoliosis screening ‐ Grades 6, 7 

Physical examinations ‐ Grades K‐1, 6, 11 

Hearing ‐ Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 7, 11 

Medication Administration

In order for any prescribed medication to be administered to any student by the school nurse, there must be a written order from a licensed prescriber. This written permission will include: 

• Name of child
• Date of prescription
• Name of medication
• Dosage and route of administration 
• Specific time, or special circumstances, in which the medication shall be administered
• Specific length, period, or amount of medication prescribed 
• Signature of the prescriber

In addition to the order, written consent from the parent/guardian is required which shall give permission for such administration and relieve the Board and its employees of liability for  administration of medication. 

All medications must be stored in the original container and will be kept in a locked cabinet in the Health office. 

Emergency medications may be carried by the student with MD documentation and written parent/guardian consent.

Metro Community Health Center

Health services provided:

Complete pediatric care, physical exams, and sports physicals

Immediate attention for injuries, allergies, and sudden illnesses

Urgent Care VisitsPrescriptions and medication managementImmunizations. 

Video conferencing for parents who are unable to attend visits

Metro Community Health Center Mobile Clinic Dates