Ohio law (ORC 3313.671) requires children to be vaccinated against specific diseases before enrolling in public or private schools. The Ohio Department of Health maintains the required schedule, which mirrors CDC recommendations. Here's a practical guide for Ohio parents navigating the school entry requirements.
Ohio school entry vaccine requirements (K–12)
- DTaP/Tdap — 5 doses for K–6, Tdap booster for 7th grade
- Polio (IPV) — 4 doses
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) — 2 doses
- Varicella (Chickenpox) — 2 doses, or documented disease
- Hepatitis B — 3 doses
- Hepatitis A — 2 doses (added to Ohio requirements in recent years)
- Meningococcal (MenACWY) — 1 dose for 7th grade entry
Vaccines recommended but not required
The CDC also recommends HPV vaccine (2–3 doses starting at 11–12), annual flu vaccine, and COVID-19 vaccines. These aren't required for Ohio school attendance but are strongly recommended by the AAP and Ohio AAP chapter.
Catch-up schedules
Missed doses don't mean starting over. The CDC has specific catch-up schedules based on current age and doses already received. At Daystar, we review your child's immunization record and determine exactly which vaccines are needed, at what intervals — no guesswork.
Exemptions in Ohio
Ohio allows medical exemptions (documentation required from a licensed physician) and non-medical (philosophical/religious) exemptions with an annual signed statement. Schools may exclude unvaccinated children during disease outbreaks.
Vaccines at Daystar
We stock most commonly required pediatric vaccines. Walk in 6 days a week — bring your child's immunization record so we can update it precisely. Most insurance covers required vaccines at no cost under preventive care.
This article summarizes public health information. Always consult a licensed provider for personal medical decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — urgent care clinics can administer and document vaccines. Daystar stocks most commonly required vaccines. Walk in with your child's immunization record and we'll fill the gaps.
No. The CDC catch-up schedule picks up from where your child's record shows — no doses need to be repeated. We review the record and tell you exactly what's needed and when.
