Immunization Requirements for School Entry
Massachusetts law (Chapter 76, Section 15) states that no child will be admitted to school unless they show proof that all the vaccines required by the Department of Public Health have been received. The Northampton Public Schools will exclude any child from school entry until the school nurse receives this written proof. If parents/guardians need help in this area they are encouraged to contact the school nurse.
There are only two exclusions to this regulation that are allowed in Massachusetts.
- A physician must document in writing that due to a medical contraindication (this must be specified) the vaccine was not given.
- Parents/guardians may also request in writing that due to their sincerely held religious beliefs a vaccine was not given.
MA Immunization Requirements 2010
A Parent and an MD's Thoughts on Vaccination
There will be some significant changes to the guidelines for entry in the Fall of 2011. Please click on the link below to read about these changes and call your school nurse with any questions.
