Make sure your child is up-to-date on vaccines before sending them back to school

Make sure that your children are up-to-date on vaccines before school starts. New York State has eliminated religious exemptions for all children attending any public, private or parochial child caring center, day nursery, day care agency, nursery school, kindergarten, elementary, intermediate or secondary schools.

Immunization records are required for entry into and continued attendance in child care, K-12 schools, college, and other post-high school education and training in New York State. More information on the vaccines required for school entry and attendance are available at the NYSDOH website.

To obtain immunization records: Contact your health care provider, not the Westchester County Department of Health, to obtain copies of immunization records for vaccines given in New York State. Read the following carefully as it relates to where you can access immunization records:

  • If you were not immunized at a Westchester County Department of Health clinic, then the Westchester County Department of Health does not have your immunization records.
  • If you were immunized at a Westchester County Department of Health clinic, your vaccinations were recorded in the New York State Immunization Information System and can be easily accessed by your health care provider at any time.
  • If you need immunization records to enroll in school or for work and are unable to locate them, you may have to be re-immunized or take a blood test to provide proof of immunity. Please consult your health care provider.
  • If you need MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine to attend school, Westchester County Department of Health clinics can provide it for you at no charge. Please call (914) 995-5800 for an appointment.

Families without health insurance can get help signing up for health coverage by contacting a health department Navigator at (914) 995-6350 or by emailing hnav@WestchesterCountyNY.gov. Navigators can provide in-person assistance to residents at 25 locations throughout Westchester.

Resources:
Effective June 13, 2019: NYSDOH frequently-asked-questions regarding vaccination requirements applicable to all students