Tennessee School Immunization Requirements
What Parents Need to Know
All students enrolling in Kindergarten, 7th grade, or Tennessee schools for the first time must meet immunization requirements and present an official Tennessee Certificate of Immunization. In addition, well-child screenings and sports physicals are strongly recommended each year to monitor growth, development, and fitness to participate in school activities.
Schedule Early—Avoid the August Rush!
June and July are the best times to schedule your child’s annual well visit and complete all back-to-school requirements in one trip.
✅ Well-child exams help track development, address concerns, and ensure academic and social readiness.
⚽ Sports physicals are required yearly for student-athletes and include important screenings to help detect health concerns before they hit the field.
📄 Immunization forms are available at your visit—or allow 72 hours if requesting them outside of an appointment.
Immunization Requirements by Grade
| Vaccine | Kindergarten Entry | 7th Grade Entry | New to TN Schools (Not K or 7th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) | 5 doses | Not required unless no Td booster in past 5 years | 5 doses |
| Tdap Booster | – | 1 dose | – |
| Hepatitis B (HBV) | 3 doses | – | 3 doses |
| MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) | 2 doses (of each, typically as MMR) | – | 2 doses (of each, typically as MMR) |
| Polio (IPV/OPV) | Final dose on or after the 4th birthday | – | Final dose on or after the 4th birthday |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | 2 doses or documented history of disease | 2 doses or documented history of disease | 2 doses or documented history of disease |
| Hepatitis A | 2 doses, spaced at least 6 months apart | – | – |
Kindergarten Entry (Age 5 by August 15):
5 doses DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
3 doses Hepatitis B (HBV)
2 doses MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Final Polio dose after 4th birthday
2 doses Varicella (Chickenpox) or proof of past infection
2 doses Hepatitis A (spaced 6 months apart)
7th Grade Entry:
1 dose Tdap Booster (unless Td given in past 5 years)
2 doses Varicella or proof of past infection
New Students to TN (Not Kindergarten or 7th Grade):
5 doses DTaP (or DT if appropriate)
3 doses Hepatitis B (HBV)
2 doses MMR
Final Polio dose after 4th birthday
2 doses Varicella or proof of past infection
Required & Recommended Health Screenings
These screenings help keep your child healthy, on track developmentally, and ready for both classroom and athletic success.
| Screening | Who Needs It |
|---|---|
| Well-Child Exam | ✔ Required for Kindergarten entry ✔ Strongly recommended annually for all ages, especially during developmental transitions |
| Sports Physical | ✔ Required annually for students participating in school sports (can be done with well visit) |
Book Early, Beat the Rush!
Immunizations and physicals can be completed during your child’s well visit.
Kindergarten shots may be given after your child turns 4 years old.
Need a copy of your TN Immunization Certificate? Just ask your nurse during your visit or allow 72 hours for processing if requested later.
Let’s Get School-Ready—Together!
Schedule your appointment for June or July
