Florida Schools Vaccine Requirement
The State of Florida requires certain vaccines to be administered before children may enrol in and attend childcare, preschool and K–12 schools.
These immunization requirements apply to both public and non-public schools across the state and are enforced through the Florida Department of Health.
This guide explains the full Florida school vaccine requirements and special rules for students enrolling in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Contents
Immunizations Required for Childcare and/or Family Daycare
(Age-appropriate doses as indicated)
Children entering childcare or family daycare in Florida must receive:
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Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP)
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Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)
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Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
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Varicella (chickenpox)
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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
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Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13)
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Hepatitis B (Hep B)
Public / Non-Public Preschool Entry
(Age-appropriate doses as indicated)
The following vaccines are required before preschool entry:
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DTaP
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IPV
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MMR
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Varicella
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Hib
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Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13)
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Hepatitis B (Hep B)
Public / Non-Public Schools – Kindergarten Through 12th Grade
For children entering, attending, or transferring to Florida schools (K–12), the following are required:
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Four or five doses of DTaP
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Four or five doses of IPV
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Two doses of MMR
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Three doses of Hepatitis B
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One dose of Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap)
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Two doses of Varicella
Important note on Varicella:
The varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is not required if there is a documented history of varicella disease signed by a health care provider.
Additional Immunization Requirement for 7th Grade Entry
In addition to all other required vaccines, students entering or transferring into 7th grade in Florida must have:
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One dose of Tdap
This requirement became effective beginning with the 2009/2010 school year and continues for subsequent grades.
Free and Low-Cost Vaccines in Miami-Dade County
Parents and guardians who need help obtaining school-required vaccines may contact:
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Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County – Special Immunization Unit
Phone: (786) 845-0550
(Appointments available for FREE school-entry vaccines)
Parents may also contact:
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The Children’s Trust Helpline – 211
This helpline provides a list of medical facilities that offer vaccinations at reduced cost.
Special Temporary Exceptions
Temporary exceptions (up to 30 days) may be granted for students who are:
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Enrolled in the Project Up-Start Program
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In the Juvenile Justice System
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Children of military families
State of Florida School Entry Health Examination (DH-3040)
Parents and guardians of all students entering Miami-Dade County Public Schools for the first time must submit proof of a health examination using the official State of Florida School Entry Health Exam form (DH-3040).
The examination must:
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be completed within 12 months prior to initial entry, and
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include a tuberculosis (TB) clinical screening.
If the TB screening indicates that further testing is needed, the student may enroll only with a written statement from a medical provider confirming that the student is free of communicable tuberculosis and can attend school.
Important notes
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Students transferring from another Florida school or from within Miami-Dade County do not need a new physical examination.
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However, all students initially entering Miami-Dade County Public Schools must have a TB clinical screening, with appropriate follow-up if required.
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Parents or guardians must complete page one (1) of the DH-3040 form.
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A healthcare provider completes page two (2) or submits equivalent medical documentation.
Religious and Medical Exemptions
Florida allows both religious and medical exemptions.
A religious exemption must be documented on the official DH 681 – Religious Exemption From Immunization form, which is issued only by county health departments.
The form is issued upon request when a parent or guardian affirms that immunization conflicts with their family’s religious tenets or practices.
Related Article: Florida schools vaccine requirement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are vaccines mandatory for school attendance in Florida?
Yes. Florida law requires children to meet specific immunization requirements before attending childcare, preschool, and K–12 schools, unless a valid medical or religious exemption is provided.
Is the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine always required?
No. The varicella vaccine is not required if a healthcare provider documents that the childDo students transferring from another Florida school need a new medical exam?
No. Students transferring within Florida or within Miami-Dade County are not required to complete a new school entry health examination.
However, students entering Miami-Dade County Public Schools for the first time must still have a tuberculosis clinical screening.
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Summary
Florida school vaccine requirements apply to childcare, preschool and K–12 students statewide.
Parents are encouraged to work with their healthcare providers or their local health department to ensure their children meet all immunization and health screening requirements before school entry.