Alabama requires four core vaccines for students entering kindergarten through 12th grade: DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), polio, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and varicella (chickenpox). These requirements apply to public, private, and parochial schools alike. COVID-19 vaccination is not required for any grade level.
Kindergarten Through 12th Grade Requirements
Every student enrolled in an Alabama school from kindergarten through 12th grade needs the following vaccines, with specific dose counts set by the Alabama Department of Public Health:
- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis): 5 doses. Only 4 are needed if the fourth dose was given on or after the child’s fourth birthday.
- Polio: 4 doses. Only 3 are needed if the third dose was given on or after the child’s fourth birthday.
- Measles: 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine, typically given as part of the MMR shot.
- Mumps and rubella: 1 dose each, usually covered by the standard 2-dose MMR series.
- Varicella (chickenpox): 1 dose for children under 13. Children 13 and older who are starting the series need 2 doses at least 28 days apart.
In practical terms, most children meet these requirements through the routine childhood vaccine schedule their pediatrician follows. If your child has been getting regular well-child visits, there’s a good chance the doses are already complete or close to it by kindergarten age.
Daycare and Head Start Requirements
Children attending daycare or Head Start programs in Alabama must be age-appropriately vaccinated against the same core diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and chickenpox. They also need the Hib vaccine (which protects against a type of bacterial meningitis), a requirement specific to this younger age group. “Age-appropriately” means your child doesn’t need every dose completed yet, but they do need to be on schedule for their age.
The Chickenpox Vaccine Exception
Alabama doesn’t require the chickenpox vaccine if a child has already had the disease or has a blood test showing immunity. If your child had chickenpox, you’ll need either a doctor’s documentation of the illness or lab results confirming antibodies. This is the only required vaccine where prior infection counts as a substitute.
How to Get Your Certificate of Immunization
Alabama schools require a Certificate of Immunization (COI) as proof that your child’s vaccines are up to date. You can get this document from the healthcare provider who gave the vaccines or from your county health department. Schools will ask for this form at enrollment, and your child typically cannot attend without it on file.
If you’re moving to Alabama from another state, your child’s existing immunization records should transfer as long as they meet Alabama’s dose requirements. Contact your new county health department to have out-of-state records reviewed and a new COI issued if needed.
Exemptions
Alabama allows two types of exemptions from school vaccine requirements: medical and religious. A medical exemption requires documentation from a healthcare provider explaining why a specific vaccine poses a health risk to the child. A religious exemption can only be issued through a county health department, not through the school itself. You’ll need to visit your local county health department in person to complete the religious exemption process.