Maine law requires children to be vaccinated against certain diseases before they can attend any public or private school in the state. Keeping children healthy in a group setting is essential. These requirements help protect all children, including those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, by reducing the spread of infectious disease.
For school attendance:
The dose counts below are simplified. All vaccine administration records must be reviewed to ensure they meet the minimum requirements outlined in Section 5 of the State of Maine Immunization Requirements for School Children Rule.
- Pre-K entry
- 4 DTaP
- 3 Polio
- 1 MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- 1 Varicella (chickenpox)
- Kindergarten
- 5 DTaP (4 DTaP if 4th is given on or after 4th birthday)
- 4 Polio (3 Polio if 3rd is given on or after 4th birthday)
- 2 MMR
- 2 Varicella (chickenpox)
- Grade 7
- All previously required vaccines
- 1 Tdap
- 1 Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY)
- Grade 12
- All previously required vaccines
- 2 MenACWY, only one dose required if the 1st dose is given on/after 16th birthday
OR
- Medical exemption for one or all vaccines
- In the absence of a certificate of immunization, may provide laboratory evidence of immunity to specific diseases or reliable history of disease documented by a Maine physician or other PCP
- Philosophical or religious exemptions are only allowable for students with an IEP and exemption in place prior to September 1, 2021
School Vaccination Requirements
- State of Maine Immunization Requirements for School Children - Last Amended: May 25, 2026
- Immunization Requirements FAQs - Last Updated: July 13, 2026
- Maine School Vaccine Requirements Reference Guide
School Located Vaccine Clinic (SLVC) Resources
Docket for Schools
The Docket for Schools (DFS) platform went live September 2025. This new tool is designed to support school nurses in identifying immunization gaps and ensuring uniform compliance with Maine school vaccination laws. All Maine public and private schools are required to report immunization status of students through DFS.
Communications
- PRIORITY NOTICE: 2025-2026 Maine School Age Immunization Assessment Survey Due Date Extended to March 13
- PRIORITY NOTICE: New Enhancements to Docket for Schools for Immunization Reporting
- IMPORTANT: Clarification on Docket for Schools Process
- Docket for Schools - Assistance with Entry of Student Information
- Docket for Schools
- CORRECTION: Announcing the Launch of Docket for Schools
Questions?
For questions or additional information on Docket, please contact the ImmPact help desk at 207-287-3006 or ImmPact.Support@maine.gov.
For questions or additional information on immunization requirements, please contact Education at 207-287-3746 or ImmunizeME.DHHS@maine.gov.