The Back-to-School Vaccine Checklist: Preschool Through Grade 12

As families prepare for a new school year, immunization records should be part of the back-to-school checklist. Connecticut requires students enrolled in preschool through Grade 12 to have certain vaccinations based on their age and grade level. These requirements help protect individual students while reducing the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses in schools and throughout the community.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) states that Connecticut’s childhood immunization schedule and school requirements remain in effect and continue to follow the state’s established standard of care.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to review their child’s immunization record before the school year begins and contact their healthcare provider if any required doses are missing or overdue.

Why Vaccination Matters

Schools bring hundreds of children and adults into close contact every day, creating opportunities for infectious diseases to spread. Routine vaccination helps prevent outbreaks and can reduce illnesses and school absences among students and staff.

Vaccines are recommended throughout childhood to protect against potentially serious diseases. Connecticut families can also access childhood vaccines through providers participating in the Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP). CT DPH notes that healthcare providers in Connecticut who vaccinate children under age 19 participate in the program.

Connecticut School Immunization Requirements

The following is a simplified reference based on the Connecticut Department of Public Health's Immunization Requirements for Enrolled Students in Connecticut Schools, revised January 22, 2026. Families should use this as a general guide and consult their child's healthcare provider and school for individual requirements.

Preschool

*Hib, pneumococcal, and the preschool influenza requirement are not required for students age 5 and older.

Kindergarten

*Not required for students age 5 and older. Verification of previous varicella disease must be confirmed in writing by an MD, PA or APRN.

Grades 1–6

Grades 7–12

Required Vaccines vs. Recommended Vaccines

School requirements establish the vaccinations students need for enrollment, but they should not necessarily be treated as a complete vaccination schedule.

Families should talk with their child's healthcare provider about all vaccines recommended for their child's age, even when a vaccine is not specifically required for school attendance. CT DPH provides additional vaccine information and age-based resources for parents and caregivers.

For example, the vaccination schedule recommended by medical organizations may include additional vaccines or booster doses based on a child's age, health history and other risk factors.

Check Immunization Records Before the First Day

Don't wait until the week before school begins to discover that a vaccine or documentation is missing. Some vaccine series require multiple doses given at specific intervals, which means catching up can take time.

Parents and caregivers can:

• Review their child's vaccination record and compare it with the current Connecticut school requirements.
• Contact the child's pediatrician or healthcare provider to determine whether vaccinations are due.
• Check with the child's school about required health forms and vaccination documentation.
• Access immunization records through CT WiZ, Connecticut's Immunization Information System.
• Start catch-up vaccinations early if a child is behind on vaccinations. Connecticut provides specific catch-up guidance for students enrolled in preschool through Grade 12.

Connecticut law requires certain vaccinations for children attending school or day care, and CT DPH maintains the state's current requirements, exemption information and catch-up guidance online.

Make Vaccines Part of Your Back-to-School Checklist

A new backpack and school supplies may get most of the attention, but checking your child's immunization record is an important part of preparing for the school year.

Families with questions about which vaccines their child needs should contact their pediatrician or healthcare provider. For questions specifically about Connecticut's school immunization requirements, contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health Immunization Program at 860-509-7929.