Louisiana school immunization requirements are governed by La. R.S. 17:170. Louisiana stands out from most states in two ways: it requires Hepatitis A vaccination for all students (most states do not), and it provides a 15-day compliance window for students transferring from out of state. Here is every form, every deadline, and every official source.
Last verified: September 8, 2026
Louisiana requires an Immunization Certificate for every student enrolling in school. Under La. R.S. 17:170, no child may attend a Louisiana school without a current immunization certificate or an approved exemption on file. The certificate is completed and signed by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) immunization program.
Required vaccines for Louisiana school enrollment (K–12):
7th grade: Tdap booster + first MenACWY dose required at 7th grade entry.
Louisiana is one of fewer than 10 states that requires Hepatitis A vaccination for school enrollment. If your family is moving to Louisiana from another state, your child's existing immunization record almost certainly does not include 2 doses of Hep A — because most states don't require it.
This means families relocating to Louisiana frequently need to schedule a catch-up Hep A dose (or confirm your child already received both doses through their pediatrician for travel or other reasons). Plan for this before enrollment day.
(Source: Louisiana Department of Health; La. R.S. 17:170, accessed Aug 30, 2026)
Louisiana's immunization registry is LINKS (Louisiana Immunization Network for Kids Statewide). LINKS consolidates immunization records from participating providers across the state. Your child's LINKS record can be retrieved through their pediatrician or a local LDH parish health unit.
15-day grace period for out-of-state transfers: Under La. R.S. 17:170, students transferring from another state are given a 15-day window to produce a Louisiana Immunization Certificate. This applies to the first enrollment at a Louisiana school — but the Hep A dose(s) may still be a gap if your child's prior state didn't require them. Start the process before arrival to avoid delays.
(Source: Louisiana Department of Health; La. R.S. 17:170, accessed Aug 30, 2026)
Review your child's records for 2 Hep A doses. This is the most common gap for families moving to Louisiana from other states. If doses are missing, schedule the catch-up vaccination now.
A LINKS printout shows every dose on file in Louisiana. Bring it to the well-child visit along with any out-of-state records so your physician can complete a comprehensive Louisiana Immunization Certificate.
Your physician signs the Immunization Certificate at the visit. If your child is entering 7th grade, confirm Tdap and first MenACWY are also on the certificate.
Turn in the certificate before enrollment. Keep a copy — Louisiana's Hep A requirement means your records will often be different from school records in other states, and having the Louisiana certificate on hand prevents confusion at future schools.
Louisiana's Hepatitis A requirement catches families off guard when moving here from another state. Family Stork keeps the complete record — every dose, every visit — so when the LINKS record has a gap, you already know what needs to happen.
Give any Louisiana clinic your child's private @families.familystork.com address. Every visit summary and vaccine record files itself automatically. $99/year, or about $10/month. Start your child's record free →
Louisiana recognizes medical and religious exemptions from school immunization requirements under La. R.S. 17:170(F). Medical exemptions require documentation from a licensed physician. Religious exemptions require a written statement from the parent or guardian. For exemption forms and the official process, contact the Louisiana Department of Health.
Juggling logins across multiple hospital portals? See how Family Stork compares to MyChart — one email address vs. a different portal for every clinic.
Looking for a single place to keep your family's entire health story? Family health timeline software — from first heartbeat and beyond.
Exploring alternatives to juggling multiple portals? Best MyChart alternatives for families.
Give any Louisiana clinic your child's private @familystork address. They send records; the timeline builds itself. Hep A, Tdap, MenACWY — all in one organized place.
Start your child's record — free