Massachusetts is one of a minority of states that require a physical examination certificate — not just immunization records — for school entry under M.G.L. c.76, §15. The physical exam is required at specific grade intervals, and immunization requirements are governed separately by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Here is every form, who completes it, and when.
Last verified: October 25, 2026 — all official source links confirmed active.
Massachusetts law requires children to have a physical examination and produce a certificate from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant at specified grade intervals. Under M.G.L. c.76, §15, physical exams are required for school entry at:
Massachusetts school immunization requirements are set by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) under 105 CMR 220.000. Every student must have immunization records on file before the first day of school.
Required vaccines for Massachusetts school enrollment:
The immunization record must be signed by a licensed healthcare provider. Massachusetts does not list Hepatitis A as a universal school-entry requirement (as of the time of this writing). Always verify the current year's requirements with the Massachusetts DPH — School Immunizations before enrollment.
Massachusetts requires two additional vaccines specifically for 7th grade entry — both are common grade-entry requirements, but parents of children transitioning from elementary to middle school often discover gaps at this point:
If your child has not had either vaccine, schedule with your pediatrician well before the start of the school year. Your doctor can advise on timing based on your child's current immunization record — always confirm dose eligibility and scheduling with the provider.
Source: Massachusetts DPH — School Immunizations; 105 CMR 220.000, accessed Oct 23, 2026
Massachusetts pediatricians are extremely busy in July–August. Call early. The physical exam certificate must reflect an exam within 13 months of school entry. Most practices are booked 4–6 weeks out in summer.
Ask your pediatrician to print a MIIS record at the physical exam appointment. Confirm all required doses are present — especially Tdap and MenACWY if your child is entering 7th grade.
Leave the appointment with both the physical exam certificate and a signed immunization record. Keep copies — your child's school requires them, but you'll also want them for future enrollment.
Massachusetts schools require documentation before the first day. Contact your school health office to confirm whether they want forms mailed, emailed, or submitted at enrollment registration.
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Massachusetts recognizes medical and religious exemptions from school immunization requirements. Medical exemptions require documentation from a licensed physician. Religious exemptions require a written statement. Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c.76, §15) does not recognize a philosophical or personal belief exemption. For exemption forms and the official process, contact the Massachusetts DPH — School Immunizations.
Yes. Massachusetts is one of a minority of states that requires a physical examination certificate — not just immunization records — for school entry. Under M.G.L. c.76, §15, physical exams are required at kindergarten (or first enrollment), and again at grades 4, 7, and 10. The exam must be completed within 13 months of school entry.
All documentation — the physical exam certificate and immunization records — must be submitted before the first day of school. Massachusetts does not have a grace period. Contact your school health office in spring or early summer for their specific submission process (mail, email, or in-person).
Ask your pediatrician to print a record from MIIS (Massachusetts Immunization Information System). MIIS tracks immunizations given by Massachusetts providers. If your child received care in another state, those records may not be in MIIS — contact your previous provider to transfer documentation.
Massachusetts requires a Tdap booster and a MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate) dose at or before 7th grade entry. A second MenACWY booster is required at 12th grade. These are separate from the standard K–12 immunization requirements and catch many families off guard during the elementary-to-middle-school transition.
Massachusetts recognizes medical exemptions (physician documentation required) and religious exemptions (written statement required). There is no philosophical or personal belief exemption. For exemption forms, contact the Massachusetts DPH — School Immunizations.
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