Kentucky school immunization requirements are governed by 702 KAR 1:160 under the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) is the required form for school enrollment. Kentucky has specific grade-level checkpoints — particularly at 6th grade — that catch many families off guard. Here is everything you need, with official sources.
Last verified: September 8, 2026
The Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) is Kentucky's official school immunization form. Under 702 KAR 1:160 (Kentucky Administrative Regulations), every student must have a current, physician-signed CIS on file at the school before the first day of attendance. Your child's healthcare provider completes and signs the CIS after reviewing the immunization record.
Required vaccines on the Kentucky CIS (K–6th grade):
Kentucky has a specific two-vaccine requirement for students entering 6th grade that surprises many families. Under 702 KAR 1:160, students entering 6th grade must have:
12th grade MenACWY booster: A second MenACWY dose is required at or before 12th grade entry. If your child received the first MenACWY before age 16, the booster is required. If they received it at age 16 or later, confirm eligibility with your pediatrician — always defer to the provider for specific dose timing.
Source: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — 702 KAR 1:160, accessed Aug 30, 2026
The Kentucky Immunization Registry (KYIR) records immunizations administered by participating providers throughout Kentucky. If your child has received vaccines from multiple providers, KYIR may have the complete consolidated record. You can access your child's KYIR record by:
Note: doses administered outside Kentucky may not appear in KYIR. If your family has moved from another state, bring paper immunization records from prior providers to the pediatrician visit to ensure the CIS reflects the full history.
(Source: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, accessed Aug 30, 2026)
Request your child's KYIR printout from their provider. If your child is entering 6th grade, confirm the Tdap booster and first MenACWY dose are both on file. If either is missing, schedule the appointment immediately — 6th grade is a hard gate.
Your pediatrician will complete and sign the Certificate of Immunization Status. Bring any paper records from out-of-state providers if applicable. Book early — Kentucky pediatricians are busy in August.
Turn in the signed CIS to your school's health office. Keep a copy — you'll need it for sports physicals, summer camp enrollment, and any future school transfers.
Kentucky's 6th-grade Tdap and MenACWY gate catches families by surprise because it's easy to forget which grade triggers which vaccines. Family Stork tracks the full timeline from birth so you know what's coming before the school nurse asks.
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Kentucky recognizes medical and religious exemptions from school immunization requirements under KRS 214.036. Medical exemptions require a certificate from a licensed physician. Religious exemptions require a written statement from a parent or guardian invoking sincerely held religious beliefs. Kentucky does not recognize a philosophical or personal belief exemption. For current exemption forms and requirements, contact the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
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