Washington State School Immunization Requirements
A parent's guide to what to submit before the first day of school.
WHAT TO SUBMIT
Before attendance, provide one of the following to your school
A completed Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS), a Certificate of Exemption (COE) if applicable, and any supporting immunization records your school requests.
OVERVIEW
Three paths to compliance
Under Washington law, a student may attend a public or private school only if the parent provides one of the following before attendance:
- A completed Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) showing the required immunizations
- A completed Certificate of Exemption (COE), if the student qualifies for an exemption
- Documentation showing the student is in conditional status and is catching up on required immunizations on the required schedule
VACCINES
Required vaccines
Washington requires school immunization documentation for vaccines covering:
- Hepatitis B
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP/Tdap)
- Polio
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
The exact number of doses required depends on the student's age and grade level under state rules.
GRADES 7–12
Tdap for older students
Students in 7th through 12th grade are generally required to have Tdap if they are not otherwise exempt and have not already satisfied that requirement under the state schedule.
EXEMPTIONS
Exemptions
Washington allows exemptions in certain cases, including:
- Medical
- Religious
- Personal/philosophical — for some vaccines
A health care practitioner signature is generally required on the exemption form, unless a narrow religious exception applies under state law.
CATCHING UP
Conditional status
A student may be allowed to attend school temporarily in conditional status if the student has started missing immunizations and will complete the remaining doses according to the required schedule.
Parents must continue providing updated records as additional doses are received.
LEGAL AUTHORITY
These requirements are based primarily on the following Washington statutes and regulations.
RCW 28A.210.080
RCW 28A.210.090
Chapter 246-105 WAC
Washington State Department of Health — School and Child Care Immunization