The Illinois Department of Health has immunization requirements for those who attend child care, pre-school, and school. The state’s immunization requirements follow the current schedule published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

Children enrolling in child care facilities, pre-school, pre-Kindergarten

Infants entering child care facilities must be up to date at the time of enrollment and are required to provide an updated certificate after completing all of the required vaccines due no later than 18 months of age.

  • Hepatitis B (HBV)

  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)

  • Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV)

  • Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) – age younger than 5 years only

  • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) – age younger than 5 years only

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella – 1 dose of each, normally given together as MMR

  • Varicella – 1 dose or credible history of disease

Children enrolling in Kindergarten

  • Hepatitis B (HBV)

  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)

  • Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV)

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella – 1 dose of each, normally given together as MMR

  • Varicella – 1 dose or credible history of disease

All children entering 6th or 9th grade (including currently enrolled students)

  • Varicella – 2 doses or credible history of disease

Children who are new enrollees in a IL school in grades other than Kindergarten

  • Hepatitis B (HBV)

  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)

  • Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV – final dose on or after the 4th birthday

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella – 2 doses of each, normally given together as MMR

  • Varicella – 2 doses or credible history of disease

  • New students entering grades other than 7th grade are not required to have Tdap

Immunization Exemptions

Illinois law allows exceptions for medical reasons and religious beliefs.

Medical

Physicians (MD or DO) or Public Health Nurses are authorized to indicate specific vaccines medically exempted (because of risk of harm) on the certificate. Other vaccines remain required. The medical reason for the exemption does not need to be provided.

Religious

This exemption requires a signed statement by the parent/guardian that vaccination conflicts with their religious tenets or practices.