HCPS Health Services

Parent Guide to the Immunization Law
The State of Maryland has established immunization requirements for all children entering or enrolled in Maryland schools. The law states that each child must have at least one dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles) vaccines. PRE-K, KINDERGARTEN, THRU 9TH GRADE CHILDREN ENTERING SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER WILL BE REQUIRED TO HAVE BOTH VARICELLA VACCINE (OR PROOF OF IMMUNITY BY MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS) AND HEPATITIS B VACCINE. In addition, the student must be in the process of achieving complete immunization status.

Requirements to achieve complete immunization include the following:

  • Pneumococcal vaccine also known as PCV7 or by the brand name Prevnar will be required for children enrolled in preschool programs.
  • 4 doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough), - combined vaccine (3 doses of diphtheria and tetanus for children over 7 years of age). Please note 5 doses are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
  • 3 doses of polio vaccine for a student less than eighteen (18) years of age. Please note 4 doses are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
  • 2 doses of live measles virus vaccine received on or after student's first birthday, or proof of immunity by blood test for students entering K-12th grade (1 dose for all others).
  • 1 dose of live rubella virus vaccine on or after the student's first birthday, or proof of immunity by a blood test for students entering K-12th grade.
  • 1 dose of live mumps virus vaccine on/or after the student's first birthday or proof of immunity through a blood test for students entering K-12th grade.
  • Varicella: 1 dose required for students under 13 years of age; or 2 doses required for previously unvaccinated students 13 years of age and older; or documentation of history of Varicella (chicken pox) from a physician or local health department. This must include month and year that the student had the disease.
  • 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine for students entering PRE-K, KINDERGARTEN, THRU 9TH GRADE.
  • Upon record review a vaccine dose given less than or equal to 4 days before the minimum interval or age may be counted as valid.

Preschool students less than 60 months of age must have received Haemophilus influenza, type b vaccine (HIB) in order to be entered or enrolled in preschool services. The student must have 1 dose of HIB on or after the first birthday.

Official documentation is recorded on the Maryland Immunization Certificate, DHMH 896. This form is available from the schools. If you have documentation from another source, please consult with the school health services personnel.

On the bottom of the Certificate, DHMH 896, you will note provisions for medical contraindications, religious objections, and lost or destroyed records. If any of these conditions apply, please have that portion completed by the appropriate person. The back of the form has additional details.

DOCUMENTATION OF IMMUNIZATION MUST BE PROVIDED BEFORE A STUDENT CAN ENTER SCHOOL. IT IS THE PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE THE SCHOOL WITH PROOF OF IMMUNIZATION. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

Prepared by
Harford County Health Department
and
Harford County Public Schools

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