TULSA, OKLA. (KTUL) — As the new school year approaches, parents in Oklahoma are reminded of the state’s vaccination requirements for children attending daycare, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions.
The Oklahoma State Board of Health sets these immunization rules, with enforcement overseen by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH).
For daycare and childcare facilities:
- Children aged two months and older must provide documentation of immunizations or show medical or lab evidence of immunity.
- Required vaccines include DTaP, IPV (polio), Hib, PCV, MMR, varicella, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.
- Exemptions for medical, religious, or personal beliefs are permitted but must be filed directly with OSDH via its online portal.
K-12 students:
- Must have up-to-date immunization records or an approved exemption to attend school.
- Pre-K and preschoolers need vaccines such as DTaP, IPV, MMR, varicella, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Hib, and PCV.
- Kindergarten through 6th-grade students require additional doses of these vaccines.
- Students in grades 7-12 must also receive a Tdap booster before entering 7th grade.
- While not required, the HPV series and meningococcal vaccines are recommended for older teens.
For college and higher education:
- Students enrolling at any public or private post-secondary institution in Oklahoma must provide proof of vaccination against hepatitis B and MMR.
- The meningococcal vaccine is required for first-time enrollees residing in on-campus housing unless a written waiver is submitted.
Eligibility for free immunizations applies if your child is:
- Uninsured
- Covered by Medicaid (SoonerCare)
- Native American or Alaska Native
- Underinsured, meaning insurance doesn’t cover vaccines
