School and childcare facility requirements

There are many things about being a kid that are unforgettable —running, jumping, learning to read or playing with friends. Getting a vaccine-preventable disease should not be one of them.

Understanding immunization requirements for school and childcare

Schools and childcare facilities are places where children learn, play, and grow together. Because children are in close contact, it’s important to have clear health guidelines to ensure these environments are as healthy and safe as possible for everyone.

Proof of immunization is a requirement for attendance at any school (kindergarten through 12th grade), Head Start, or childcare facility in Utah. An exemption may be granted for medical, religious, or personal reasons.

School and childcare immunization requirements

Children enrolled in early childhood programs (licensed daycare center, nursery or preschool, child care facility, family home care, or Head Start Program) must be immunized appropriately for their age with the following immunizations:

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Pneumococcal
Varicella (chickenpox)
Polio
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis)
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Recommended (but not required) vaccines for children in early childhood programs in Utah:

COVID-19
Influenza
Rotavirus

Proof of immunity to disease (s) can be accepted in place of vaccination only if a document is presented to the early childhood program from a healthcare provider stating the child previously contracted the disease.

For children whose parents claim an exemption to immunization for medical, religious, or personal reasons, their legally responsible individual must complete an online immunization education module at immunize.utah.gov or in-person consultation at a local health department. A copy of the certificate must be presented to the child care official.

For a medical exemption from the required immunizations, a completed vaccination exemption form and a written notice signed by a licensed healthcare provider must be presented to the school.

For questions about your child’s immunization status, contact your child’s healthcare provider, local health department, or the Immunization hotline at 1-800-275-0659.

Early childhood programs requirements flyer PDF (Englishopens in a new tab / Españolopens in a new tab)

To attend kindergarten through sixth grade, a student must provide written proof of receiving the following immunizations:

5 doses of DTaP/DT
4 doses of Polio
2 doses of Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
3 doses of Hepatitis B
2 doses of Hepatitis A
2 doses of Varicella (chickenpox)

Recommended for children aged 5 years and older (but not required for school entry in Utah):

Influenza
COVID-19

Proof of immunity to disease(s) can be accepted in place of vaccination only if a document from a healthcare provider stating the student previously contracted the disease is presented to the school.

For children whose parents claim an exemption to immunization for medical, religious, or personal reasons, their legally responsible individual must complete an online immunization education module at immunize.utah.gov or in-person consultation at a local health department. A copy of the certificate must be presented to the school or child care official.

For a medical exemption from the required immunizations, a completed vaccination exemption form and a written notice signed by a licensed healthcare provider must be presented to the school.

For questions about your child’s immunization status, contact your child’s healthcare provider, your local health department, or the Immunization hotline at 1-800-275-0659.

Download PDF (Englishopens in a new tab / Españolopens in a new tab)

To attend 7th grade, a student must have written proof of receiving the following immunizations:

1 Tdap (Only Tdap vaccine given at age 10 years or older is acceptable for 7th grade school entry)
2 Varicella (chickenpox)
1 Meningococcal (Only Meningococcal Conjugate vaccine given at age 10 years or older is acceptable
for 7th grade school entry)
3 Hepatitis B

This is in addition to the below immunizations that should have already been completed:

2 Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
4 Polio
2 Hepatitis A
5 DTaP/DT

Recommended for 11-12 year olds, but not required for school entry in Utah:

HPV
Influenza
COVID-19

Proof of immunity to disease(s) can be accepted in place of vaccination only if a document from a healthcare provider stating the student previously contracted the disease is presented to the school.

For children whose parents claim an exemption to immunization for medical, religious, or personal reasons, their legally responsible individual must complete an online immunization education module at immunize.utah.gov or in-person consultation at a local health department. A copy of the certificate must be presented to the school or child care official.

For a medical exemption from the required immunizations, a completed vaccination exemption form and a written notice signed by a licensed healthcare provider must be presented to the school.

For questions about your child’s immunization status, contact your child’s healthcare provider, your local health department, or the Immunization hotline 1-800-275-0659.

Early childhood programs requirements flyer PDF (Englishopens in a new tab / Españolopens in a new tab)

Vaccine access: Where can I find a vaccination clinic near me?

All children through the age of 18 can be vaccinated at low or no cost, even if your family does not have health insurance.

Almost all insurance companies pay for these visits with no out-of-pocket costs. These are considered preventive services which are paid at 100% by your
insurance. You can also have your child vaccinated at a local health department.

Answering just a few questions and Vaccinate Your Family can help you figure out how to pay for vaccinations for yourself and your family members. (English / Español)

Understanding your options and exemptions

Having the right information helps parents and guardians decide what is best for their children. Utah allows parents or guardians to claim exemptions from immunizations for medical, religious, or personal reasons. You are the ultimate decision-maker for your child.

A parent (or guardian) may claim an exemption to immunization for medical, religious, or personal reasons, as allowed by Section 53G-9-303 of the Utah Statutory Code.

53G-9-303. Grounds for exemption from required vaccines—Renewal.

(1) A student is exempt from the requirement to receive a vaccine required under Section 53G-9-305 if the student qualifies for a medical or personal exemption from the vaccination under Subsection (2) or (3).

(2) A student qualifies for a medical exemption from a vaccination required under Section 53G-9-305 if the student’s legally responsible individual provides to the student’s school:

(a) a completed vaccination exemption form; and
(b) a written notice signed by a licensed healthcare provider stating that, due to the physical condition of the student, administration of the vaccine would endanger the student’s life or health.

(3) A student qualifies for a personal exemption from a vaccination required under Section 53G-9-305 if the student’s legally responsible individual provides to the student’s school a completed vaccination exemption form, stating that the student is exempt from the vaccination because of a personal or religious belief.

(4) (a) A vaccination exemption form submitted under this section is valid for as long as the student remains at the school to which the form first is presented.

(b) If the student changes schools before the student is old enough to enroll in kindergarten, the vaccination exemption form accepted as valid at the student’s previous school is valid until the earlier of the day on which:

(i) the student enrolls in kindergarten; or
(ii) the student turns 6 years old.

(c) If the student changes schools after the student is old enough to enroll in kindergarten but before the student is eligible to enroll in grade 7, the vaccination exemption form accepted as valid at the
student’s previous school is valid until the earlier of the day on which:
(i) the student enrolls in grade 7; or
(ii) the student turns 12 years old.
(d) If the student changes schools after the student is old enough to enroll in grade 7, the vaccination
exemption form accepted as valid at the student’s previous school is valid until the student completes
grade 12.

(e) Notwithstanding Subsections (4)(b) and (c), a vaccination exemption form obtained through completion of the online education module created in Section 26-7-9 is valid for at least 2 years.

If your child has received some, but not all, of the required immunizations for their age or grade, or hasn't received any at all, they may be able to enroll conditionally. This means your child can attend school for 30 days while you gather the necessary documents or update their immunizations. Talk to your child's school or childcare provider for more information about this option.
Vaccines for children are available at low or no cost. Locate a vaccine provider here.

Online education module

The exemption you get when you complete this module is only for students in PK-12. Exemptions for employees, students in universities/colleges, or other purposes need to be obtained from your employer or university. This is not for COVID exemptions.

Students who want to claim an exemption from the required vaccinations must have their legally responsible adult complete the online education module, or receive in-person consultation at a local health department, AND provide a copy of the completed form to the school. For a medical exemption from the required immunizations, the student’s legally responsible adult must give the school a completed Utah vaccination exemption form AND a written statement signed by a licensed healthcare provider stating that, due to the physical condition of the student/child, administration of the vaccine would endanger the child’s life or health.

For instructions on how to complete the module, see linked pdfs in Englishopens in a new tab (Spanish version coming soon).
For more information on exemptions visit the Utah State Legislature websiteopens in a new tab.

Information about the module

The link below will access the online education module

The module should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
The module text can be displayed in English or Spanish.
An optional “autoplay narration” button allows you to listen to the module, in English or Spanish.
When you complete the module, you will be able to enter vaccine exemptions for 1 or more students. Once you finish entering student exemptions, download or print the exemption form. All previously completed Exemption certificates are available when you log back into the module via this link.opens in a new tab
Once you start the module, you have 1 year to complete it, add exemptions, or make any changes.

In order to access the module:

You will need to create a Utahid account. If you already have a Utahid account created, click the green button below "access online education module" to continue. If you don't have a Utahid go to https://id.utah.gov/opens in a new tab to create an account.
Once you create your Utahid account, you will need to come back to this page, click on "access the online education module," and begin the module.

*Important note—The online immunization educational module may not operate accurately when accessed using a Safari browser. If the module malfunctions (while using Safari) you will need to take the module again. DHHS recommends you use a different browser.

Access the online education module

For assistance, call 801-538-9450.
For suggestions to improve the module, email: [email protected]opens in a new tab

Guidance for local health departments: Educational module and exemption form use

You may use the online (view only) education module slides or the education module PDF (available in English and Spanish) during the in-person consultation with the legal guardian of a child enrolling in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
After the consultation is complete:
- Use the exemption form which is only provided to local health departments. Complete the form and provide a copy of the completed exemption form to the parent or guardian.
- Local health departments that need a blank copy of the exemption form (intended for use during in-person consultations only), or have questions, may email Nasrin Zandkarimi at [email protected].

Resources

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Utah immunization rule

All children who attend school or early childhood programs are required by the Utah Immunization Rule for Students to provide proof of immunization, an exemption, or proof of immunity against certain vaccine-preventable diseases.

See Utah's rule on immunizations

The Utah School Immunization Rule Utah Department of Health and Human Services Immunization Program

Download PDF

School and childcare facility requirements

Understanding immunization requirements for school and childcare

School and childcare immunization requirements

Understanding your options and exemptions

Online education module

Information about the module

In order to access the module:

Guidance for local health departments: Educational module and exemption form use

Do you have 3 minutes?

Help us understand parents’ needs around school vaccine exemptions.We invite you to take a short, optional online survey to share your thoughts. Available in English and Spanish.

Thank you for your time and input!

Utah immunization rule

^{Do you have 3 minutes?}

^{Help us understand parents’ needs around school vaccine exemptions.
We invite you to take a short, optional online survey to share your thoughts. Available in English and Spanish.}

^{Thank you for your time and input!}