Immunization FAQ

In accordance with Connecticut State Law, children must be adequately immunized to attend and remain in school. For a full list of vaccine requirements to attend school in Connecticut, please go to CT School Immunization Requirements 2025-26

 

Under certain circumstances, children may be allowed to attend school on a conditional status if they are in the process of catching up on the vaccines required for school entry. Conditional status permits a child to attend school while awaiting their next vaccine dose, as outlined by the CDC immunization catch-up schedule. These cases must be reviewed and approved by the nursing department before the student begins school. Continued conditional attendance depends on documented compliance with the catch-up schedule and proof of upcoming vaccination appointments. Students following an alternative catch-up schedule for medical reasons must provide documentation from their primary healthcare provider explaining the need for the alternative schedule. The provider must clearly outline the alternative schedule, and it must be submitted to the health office for approval.

3.  What documentation do I need to provide for my child to remain in school while on a catch-up schedule/conditional attendance? 

Students on a catch-up schedule must provide the school nurse with proof of each vaccine administered and documentation of the next scheduled dose in order to remain in school. Failure to provide this documentation may result in temporary exclusion from school until the required information is submitted.

 

The only delays in a vaccination catch-up schedule that will be approved are those related to an acute illness, where a medical professional has determined that the vaccine should not be administered at that time and has provided documentation. This documentation must include the date of the follow-up appointment for the illness as well as the date of the next appointment to receive the vaccine. Delays must align with the CDC Advisory Committee (AICP) Vaccine Contraindications and Precautions. Any other reasons for delaying a vaccine that are not medically documented will not be accepted and may result in temporary exclusion from school. 

5.  What if I can’t get an appointment at my child’s doctor to receive the vaccine?

Vaccine supply and appointment availability can be affected by factors outside of your control. While many parents prefer to obtain vaccines through their child’s healthcare provider, delays caused by a provider’s lack of vaccine supply or limited appointment availability will not be accepted as a valid reason for delay. If your child cannot receive the required vaccines from their healthcare provider, please contact alternative vaccine providers in the state, including Norwalk Community Health Center, CVS Minute Clinic, or Walgreens

 

Effective April 28, 2021, Connecticut no longer accepts any new religious exemptions. Children who were enrolled in Kindergarten through 12th grade and had a valid, completed Religious Exemption form on file with the school nurse as of April 27, 2021, may continue to maintain a Religious Exemption. Students transferring from other schools within Connecticut who had a valid Religious Exemption form on file prior to April 27, 2021, will also be allowed to continue their exemption.  Children transferring from schools outside of Connecticut, or from other countries, after April 27, 2021, are not eligible for a Religious Exemption to immunizations in Connecticut.
For more information, please see the CSDE Guidance Regarding Public Act 21-6, “An Act Concerning Immunizations,” and OEC Guidance Regarding Public Act 21-6, (which pertains specifically to Pre-K). 

 

Students who have been identified as having a medical contraindication to vaccines are still eligible for medical exemptions if deemed appropriate by their healthcare provider, in accordance with ACIP Guidelines for Vaccine Contraindications and Precautions. Connecticut practitioners (MD, PA, APRN) must document the vaccine(s), exemption duration, and all contraindications or precautions that apply to the student for each required vaccine using the Student Medical Exemption Certificate for Required Immunizations.  Medical exemption status may be temporary or permanent. If a temporary medical exemption is not updated beyond its expiration date, the student may be excluded from school until either an updated form from the provider is received or the required vaccine dose is administered.

 

In the event of cases of a vaccine-preventable illness in the community—or, in certain circumstances, a single case—children who are not immunized or are under-immunized may be asked to stay out of school for the duration of the outbreak. For more information, please go to: If You Choose Not To Vaccinate Your Child - Understanding the Risks and Responsibilities