New York gives you just 14 days from the first day of school to show proof of immunization. The state also requires physical exams at specific grade levels. Here's every requirement, the exact deadlines, and where to find your records — all cited to official New York State Department of Health sources.
Last verified: October 2, 2026
New York State Public Health Law §2164 requires every child attending public, private, or religious school (pre-K through 12th grade) to be fully vaccinated. Parents must show proof of immunization within 14 days of the first day of school. Children who are not up to date must receive at least the first dose of all required vaccines within that 14-day window.
Required vaccines for K–12 (2026–2027):
Additional requirements for grades 6–12:
New York Education Law §903 requires a health examination for students at these points:
The exam can be performed by the child's own physician or the school medical director. If done by a private physician, the school accepts results within 12 months before the start of the school year. The physician must document the exam on the school's health appraisal form or an equivalent.
(Source: NYS Education Department — School Health Services, accessed Aug 25, 2026)
New York Education Law §903 also requires a dental health certificate as part of the enrollment health examination. While not a separate form in all districts, many schools ask for documentation that a dental exam was completed within the past 12 months.
Vision screening is required within six months of admission to school and at specific grade levels thereafter. Schools typically conduct vision screening on-site, but a private provider's results are accepted.
(Source: NYS Education Department — School Health, accessed Aug 25, 2026)
Don't wait for the 14-day clock to start. Ask your pediatrician to pull your child's record from NYSIIS (or CIR in NYC). This shows exactly which doses are documented and which are missing.
If your child is entering pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 — or is new to the district — a physical exam is required. Schedule it now and bring the school's health appraisal form to the appointment.
If the NYSIIS record shows missing doses, your pediatrician can administer catch-up vaccines immediately. New York requires at least the first dose of all required vaccines within 14 days of the first day of school — subsequent doses on schedule.
Turn in the immunization proof and physical exam results within 14 days of the first day of school. Keep your own copies. New school, new sport, new state — you'll need them again.
Every person in your family gets a private @families.familystork.com email address. Give it to your pediatrician, your school nurse, your local health department — they send records to it, and the health story builds itself. Immunization dates, physical exam results, dental certificates — all filed automatically into one timeline.
Next September, when the school sends home the 14-day notice? You're already done. No calling NYSIIS, no hunting through the old pediatrician's portal.
Since June 2019, New York State allows only medical exemptions to school immunization requirements. Religious exemptions were removed by legislation signed June 13, 2019. A medical exemption requires a licensed physician to certify that a specific immunization is detrimental to the child's health.
Governing statute: New York State Public Health Law §2164.
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New York gives parents 14 days from the first day of school to provide proof of immunization (NYS Public Health Law §2164). Children must have at least the first dose of every required vaccine within that 14-day window, or they may be excluded. Physical exams are required at grades Pre-K/K, 1, 3, 7, and 11 and must be completed within 12 months before the start of the school year.
Check with your pediatrician first — they have your child's full vaccination history. You can also contact the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS) through your local health department. For New York City, use the Citywide Immunization Registry (CIR). Your provider can query either system and print an official record.
New York requires a dental health certificate at select grade levels, though exact requirements vary by district. The exam must be within 12 months before the start of school. If your family cannot access a dentist, the school may provide a referral or screening. Check your district's enrollment packet for specific requirements.
Since June 2019, New York allows only medical exemptions for school immunization requirements. Religious and philosophical exemptions were eliminated under New York Public Health Law §2164. A medical exemption must be signed by a licensed physician (MD or DO) and specify the vaccine and medical contraindication.
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