Immunization Requirements for Schools, Camps, and Childcare
Keeping children healthy in group settings is essential. This page provides a guide to help administrators, staff, and parents understand vaccine recommendations and requirements.
For School Attendance:
Maine School Immunization Requirements (PDF)
State immunization law for children in public/private school (PDF)
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 Immunization Resources
- School Immunization Law (PDF)
- MCV4 School Immunization Requirement FAQ (PDF)
- School Located Vaccine Clinic Resources
- Department of Education
- SLVC Informational Letter Sample (PDF)
- Vaccine Consent Form Sample (PDF)
- Catch-Up Immunizations Schedule
- School Health Services - Vaccination FAQ - 12.5.2024 (PDF)
Diphtheria-, Tetanus-, and Pertussis-Containing Vaccines Catch-Up Guidance for Children
- 4 months -- 6 years of age (PDF)
- 7 -- 9 years of age (PDF)
- 10 -- 18 years of age (PDF)
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) (PDF)
For Child Care Centers:
- Regulations for the licensing of Child Care Facilities (PDF)
- Department of Health and Human Services Childcare Licensing
- Child Care Immunization Standards (PDF)
Summer Camps
Campers are usually required to be up-to-date on the same immunizations required for school, including vaccines for diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella, and meningococcal meningitis. However, there is no state law mandating vaccines for summer camps, and individual camps may have slightly different requirements, so it's best to check with the specific camp you are considering.
- For more on Youth Camp regulations, contact Health Inspections at 207-287-5671