What are Kentucky’s vaccine exemptions? These shots are required to attend school
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kentucky requires updated immunization certificates for school and child care.
- Medical and religious exemptions require notarized documentation and review.
- Free or low-cost vaccines are available through Lexington’s public health clinic.
Wednesday, Aug. 13, the first day of school for Fayette County students, is now less than a month away, and if your child is starting kindergarten or sixth grade, they’ll need to be up-to-date on their required checkups and immunizations.
If they’re behind and you’re short on funds, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department’s same-day clinic can be a great resource, particularly for those without health insurance.
“The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department offers immunizations by same-day appointment in the Public Health Clinic, Monday through Thursday,” spokesperson Matthew Bone wrote in an email to the Herald-Leader.
This year, the back-to-school season is starting as Kentucky confronts a measles outbreak, with 13 cases reported across the state as of July 17. That includes at least nine cases reported in Woodford and Fayette counties, the last of which was identified July 8, according to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Measles is a highly contagious virus, and while young unvaccinated children are most at risk, some adults may need to update their immunity, as well.
Here’s a guide to get parents up to speed with school immunizations during the back-to-school rush, including what’s required for an exemptions to required vaccines.
What are Kentucky’s school immunization requirements?
Kentucky’s K-12 immunization requirements are laid out in Kentucky Administrative Regulation 60, with the most recent changes enacted in 2017. The requirements can be found under section two of the regulation.
With some exceptions, a current immunization certificate is required to attend the following in Kentucky:
Child day care centers, beginning at 3 months of age
Certified family child care homes, beginning at 3 months of age
Licensed facilities that care for children, at least 3 months of age
Preschool programs
Public and private primary schools and secondary schools
An up-to-date certificate is also required for home-schooled students attending one or more in-school classes or participating in school sports or extra-curricular activities.
Generally, this means children in Kentucky need to have a certain amount of vaccine doses by the time they reach different ages. For school-age children, these can range from vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP), polio, hepatitis A and B and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
A child may also need either two doses of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or be able to prove they’ve had it and are thus immune. At about age 11, they also need a dose of the MenACWY vaccine against meningococcal disease, followed by a booster dose when they turn 16.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health lays out in a one-page guide which vaccines children should receive along with how many doses they need by age.
For kindergarten entry, all children at least 5 years old must have:
Four or five doses of the DTaP vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, also known as whooping cough. This includes the fifth dose between 4 to 6 years old. A fifth dose is not needed if the fourth dose was given after the child’s fourth birthday and six months from the last dose.
Three or four doses of the IPV (inactivated polio vaccine). Per the Kentucky Department for Public Health, a fourth dose is not needed if dose No. 3 was given after the child’s fourth birthday and six months after the last dose.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR)
Two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine
Three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine
For sixth-grade entry, all children between 11 to 12 years old must have:
All the previous immunizations required to start school outlined above.
One dose of the Tdap vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis as a booster.
One dose of MenACWY (the meningococcal vaccine)
A physical exam conducted within one year of or 30 days after entering school, according to the LFCHD.
COVID-19 and seasonal flu shots are not required for school attendance in Kentucky, though health care providers recommend them.
School vaccine exemptions: What to know
Exceptions and exemptions to required vaccines in Kentucky are explained under section three of 902 KAR 2.060.
Along with medical exemptions for children who can’t receive certain vaccines, Kentucky regulation also allows for exemptions on religious grounds. KRS 214.036 requires parents objecting to immunization of their children for religious reasons to provide a written, sworn statement.
The process works like this:
The parent or guardian completes the state’s Declination on Religious Grounds to Required Immunizations form, also called form EPID 230A. The form is given to the health care provider administering the immunizations.
The health care provider issues an immunization certificate marked with a religious objection. The certificate will list any immunizations the parent or guardian objects to, as well as any that have been administered.
It’s worth noting the EPID 230A form must be an original document written, sworn and signed before a notary public, according to state regulation. The form must be submitted when the child is enrolled in a child care facility or school.
Individuals, parents and guardians can access their child’s immunization record through the Kentucky Immunization Registry Public Portal, which is a free service of the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
Where can I get vaccinated in Lexington?
If cost is a barrier, the LFCHD offers immunizations through its Vaccines For Children program.
“Participants must be 18 years or younger and be uninsured or underinsured,” Bone told the Herald-Leader. “Medicaid is accepted. Immunization records must be brought to the appointment, and physicals will not be provided. A legal guardian must be present.”
There is a $19 administration fee for each shot, though none will be turned away for inability to pay, according to the health department’s website.
Vaccine availability can vary, so call ahead to verify. Call 859-288-2483 for help with questions about program eligibility or to make an appointment. If you have questions about back-to-school immunizations, call the health department’s school health team at 859-288-2314.
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