Pennsylvania has one of the most specific school health record systems in the country — the H2002 Child Health Record, PA-SIIS for immunization tracking, and a 10-day records transfer protocol. Here's what Pennsylvania schools need, how to get the paperwork together, and what to do at your first Pennsylvania provider appointment.
Last verified: September 7, 2026
Pennsylvania's immunization requirements for school entry are set under 28 Pa. Code §23.83 (School Immunization Requirements). Pennsylvania requires documented proof of specific doses of DTaP/Tdap, Polio, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, and MenACWY (for older students). The required doses and grade-specific schedules are maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Pennsylvania schools also use the H2002 — Child Health Record, a standardized form from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The H2002 is not just an immunization record — it captures the child's physical examination history, health conditions, and school health screenings. A Pennsylvania-licensed healthcare provider must complete the physical examination portion.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health — School Immunization Requirements (28 Pa. Code §23.83), accessed August 27, 2026
PA-SIIS (Pennsylvania School Immunization Information System) is the statewide immunization registry. Pennsylvania providers and schools use PA-SIIS to verify immunization histories. If your child has received any vaccinations in Pennsylvania before, those doses may be on file in PA-SIIS.
For doses administered outside Pennsylvania, bring a signed immunization summary from your former pediatrician. Your new Pennsylvania provider can enter out-of-state doses into PA-SIIS with proper documentation. Alternatively, your previous state's immunization registry printout — especially if it's from a state with a robust registry like CAIR2 (California), ImmTrac2 (Texas), or Florida SHOTS — is strong documentation for a Pennsylvania provider to build from.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health — PA-SIIS, accessed August 27, 2026
Pennsylvania's Uniform School Record Transfer Protocol requires a former school to provide a student's records to the requesting school within 10 school days. The new Pennsylvania school initiates the request. Health records — including the H2002 or equivalent — are part of what transfers. Have the former school's full contact information ready at enrollment to avoid delays in tracking down the right district records office.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Education — Student Records Policy, accessed August 27, 2026
Pennsylvania pediatric practices are accustomed to completing the H2002 for newly arriving families — it's part of routine new-patient workflow. The key is arriving at the first appointment with a complete records package so the provider has what they need to fill it out accurately.
Bring to your first appointment:
Your new Pennsylvania pediatrician completes the H2002, updates PA-SIIS with any missing doses, and provides the school with the finalized form. Many Pennsylvania providers also complete the school's annual health form that accompanies the H2002 at the same visit — ask if your new district uses one.
Request a signed immunization summary, well-child notes, specialist records, and any school documents from all current providers. Pennsylvania's H2002 requires specific data — the more complete your records package, the faster a Pennsylvania provider can finish the form.
Enroll at the new Pennsylvania school. Pennsylvania allows a provisional period while health forms are being completed. The school initiates a records request to your former district (10-school-day window). Give them the full contact information for the prior district on day one.
Your new provider completes the H2002, enters doses into PA-SIIS, and provides the school with finalized health forms. If your child's prior physical exam falls within Pennsylvania's accepted window (typically 2 years for most grades — check your district), you may not need a new exam immediately.
Every person gets one health story, and one private Family Stork email address every clinic already knows how to use. When you move to Pennsylvania, your old pediatrician emails the visit summary, your new Pennsylvania pediatrician sends the H2002 completion and first visit notes — all to the same address, on the same lifelong timeline.
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