Health Requirements for School

Students entering public school for the first time as well as 6th grade must have several checkups.  All students must have a current Kentucky Immunization Certificate on file at their school.  This immunization certificate includes all series and boosters for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), polio (IPV), measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), Haemophilus influenzae (HIB), varicella and hepatitis B (series of three).  The certificate will have all dates of immunizations and boosters as well as the expiration date of Immunization Certificate documented.

To see the current full recommendations for immunizations for all ages, click on Immunization Schedule for children birth through 18 years(this is a PDF file -- you'll need Adobe Acrobat to read it).

Middle and High School Students who wish to participate in school athletic teams must have a valid Sports Physical Certificate on file at their school.  For more information on sports physicials, visit the Kentucky High School Athletic Association website, www.khsaa.org .

The Health Department provides physicals, immunizations, dental checks, and sports physicals for children ages 0 - 21 years. Physicals are valid up to 1 year before the beginning of school or grade entry.  They are available at the following Health Department locations:

• Public Health Clinic South located at 2433 Regency Road; for an appointment call 899-5201;
• Primary Care Center located at 650 Newtown Pike; for an appointment call 288-2425.

Costs of services are determined by a family’s income.  Insurance, KCHIP, Medical Card, cash and credit card are accepted.

Kindergarten/Early Start Requirements:

• A current Kentucky Immunization Certificate indicating:
  • Two MMR, at or after age 12 months, second before Kindergarten, between ages 4-6.
  • Series of three Hepatitis B vaccines
  • Three HIB immunizations
  • Four doses of DTaP, fourth dose on or after 4^th birthday.
  • Three doses of Poliovirus, third dose on or after 4^th birthday.
  • One Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine after the first birthday or a written statement by parent or Physician that child has had actual chicken pox.
• A Physical Examination done within one year prior to or 30 days after entering school.
• An Eye Examination done by ophthalmologist or optometrist by January 1 of the year of enrollment.
• A Dental Examination done by a licensed Dentist or Dental Hygienist by January 1 of the year of enrollment.

Sixth Grade Requirements:

• A valid Kentucky Immunization Certificate including all of the above immunizations.
• A Tetanus-Diphtheria (Tdap) booster is required if the student is between 11-12 years of age and it has been at least 5 years since the last tetanus booster.  If this vaccine is not received by 13^th birthday, child is not allowed in school.
• A physical examination done within one year prior to entering sixth grade.

Out of State Transfer Students:

1.  A valid Kentucky Immunization Certificate.

2.  A physical examination done within one year prior to or 30 days after entering school.

Tuberculosis Skin Test:

1.  A tuberculosis skin test must be given and read prior to enrollment in school if the student comes from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, or countries with endemic tuberculosis.

2.  If the skin test is positive the child must have a chest x-ray and medical examination prior to enrollment.

Meeting Requirements:

1.  Contact your doctor, clinic, or the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department (phone: 288-2483) for an appointment as soon as possible.

2.  Take all personal immunization records with you to the appointment.

3.  Deliver, mail or fax the required, completed forms to your child’s school.