Immunization Requirements for Children Entering Pre-K and Kindergarten

In accordance with the Rhode Island Department of Health Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Immunization and Testing for Communicable Diseases (R23-1-IMM), the minimum number of doses of required immunizations for children entering Pre-Kindergarten are: 

  • Three (3) doses of hepatitis B vaccine

  • Four (4) doses of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine

  • Three (3) doses of polio vaccine

  • One (1) dose of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine

  • One (1) dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or a statement signed by your child’s doctor stating that your child has a history of chickenpox disease.

  • Three (3) doses of Hib

  • Four (4) doses of Pneumococcal Conjugate

 All children entering Pre-K are required to be up-to-date on their childhood immunizations. This is the perfect opportunity to review your child’s immunization record with his or her doctor to ensure your child is protected from all vaccine-preventable diseases.

Remember! Ask your doctor about child’s Lead Screening Test too! Every child under 6 years of age should be tested annually for lead poisoning.

Kindergarten Immunization Requirements

All children entering kindergarten are required to be up-to-date with their childhood immunizations as well as have a physical examination. This is the perfect opportunity to review your child’s immunization record with his or her doctor to ensure that your child is protected from all vaccine-preventable diseases.

Remember to ask your doctor about your child’s LEAD SCREENING TEST, too. Every child under six years of age should be tested annually for lead poisoning. Evidence of having been screened for lead poisoning is also a requirement for entry into Kindergarten.

The Rhode Island Department of Health's Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Immunization and Testing for Communicable Diseases (R23-1-IMM), all children entering Kindergarten in the fall are required to have the following immunizations:.

  • Three (3) doses of hepatitis B vaccine

  • Five (5) doses of DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis ) vaccine

  • Four (4) doses of polio vaccine

  • Two (2) doses of MMR (measles, mumps. rubella) vaccine

  • One (1) dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or a statement signed by your child's doctor stating that your child has a history of chickenpox disease

In addition, children must be five (5) years old on or before September 1 to enter kindergarten.

Following the kindergarten registration, a representative from the Northwest Region Child Outreach Program will be available to schedule an appointment for any child who has not yet been screened through Child Outreach. This screening is for vision, speech, hearing, and development.