As of June 13, 2019, public, private and parochial schools and child care programs in New York can no longer accept requests for religious exemptions from school immunization requirements. This law applies to students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and to all child care settings. This legislation is in response to the measles outbreak and will help contain the spread of measles among unvaccinated students.
All prior religious exemptions granted to students are now invalid.
Students who have not received all required immunizations must receive the first dose in each immunization series within 14 calendar days after the first day of school. Within 30 calendar days of the first day of school (September 5, 2019), parents or guardians of such children will also need to show that they have scheduled appointments for all follow-up doses.
Schools and child care programs can continue to accept medical exemptions. Instructions on how to apply for a medical exemption can be found here with this form. Only valid medical exemptions will be approved.
All NYC students must meet the immunization requirements in order to attend school. Students are permitted to attend or remain in school or child care if they have received the initial series of vaccines but must remain on schedule to stay in school. You can review the immunization requirements online at schools.nyc.gov on the Immunizations page. Please review the Immunization Chart to ensure that your child is in compliance with requirements for school year 2019-20.
