Immunization Requirements

California law mandates that all children entering school must receive proper immunizations to safeguard against serious illnesses and prevent the spread of communicable diseases such as polio, measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), diphtheria, tetanus, Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib meningitis), and whooping cough.

Proof of current immunizations is required for enrollment, except in cases of homelessness or documented medical exemptions. Schools in California must verify immunization records for new students entering Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten through 12th grade and students advancing to 7th grade. Parents must provide their child's immunization record as evidence of compliance. Starting July 1, 2019, students seeking admission must meet the immunization requirements.

Students Admitted to TK/K-12 Need

• 5 doses – Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, Tdap, or TD). Four doses are ok if one was given on or after the student's fourth birthday. Three doses are ok if one was given on or after the student's seventh birthday. For seven through 12th graders, at least one dose of pertussis containing vaccine is required on or after the student's seventh birthday.
• Four doses – Polio (OPV or IPV). Three doses ok if one was given on or after the student’s fourth birthday.
• Three doses – Hepatitis B. Not required for seventh grade entry.
• Two doses – Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR).
• Two doses – Varicella (Chickenpox).

Students Starting Seventh Grade Need

• One dose – Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap).
• Whooping cough booster is usually given at 11 years and up.
• Two doses – Varicella (Chickenpox) – usually given at age 12 months and 4-6 years.

In addition, the TK / K-12 immunization requirements apply to 7th graders who:

• Previously had a valid personal beliefs exemption filed before 2016 upon entry between TK/Kindergarten and 6th grade.
• Are new admissions.

Dental Exam Requirement

Effective January 1, 2007, an Oral Health Assessment (OHA) by a licensed California dental health professional is required for children entering public school for the first time (at kindergarten or first grade). The OHA must be completed and returned to the school by May 31, the year of entry. Assessments done 12 months before school entry also meet this requirement. Obtain the form from the school or your dental health provider. Transitional kindergarten students who submit an oral health assessment will complete this requirement. Parents or guardians may sign a waiver of this requirement found on the OHA form. There is no penalty or exclusion if this requirement is not met. The parent or guardian can call (619) 692-8808 for assistance in finding a provider for the OHA.

Physical Exam Requirement

California's Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program. This requires all school-aged children to have a physical exam on record with the school. Please submit a copy of your child’s medical checkup to the school when you register for kindergarten or as soon as it is completed during the kindergarten year. The health exam meets the requirement if completed within 18 months of starting 1st grade. You must obtain this exam by 1st-grade entry to ensure your child is healthy and ready to learn. Parents or guardians needing assistance meeting this requirement may call (619) 692-8808. If a physical exam is against your personal beliefs, you must sign a CHDP waiver. Students who have not met this requirement by the appropriate date may be excluded from school attendance for up to five days.

Birth Verification Requirement

One of the following:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Hospital certificate – must include parents' names
• Baptismal certificate – must include parents’ names

Verification of Residency

Parents and guardians will need to provide one of the following:

• Mortgage booklet or statement.
• Homeowner's Association billing statement.
• Rental property contract, lease, and current payment receipt with landlord's name, address, and phone number.
• Letter on apartment complex or mobile home park letterhead, signed by the landlord, stating that parent/guardian/caregiver lives there.
• Utility bills: gas and electric, sewer, trash, water, cable bill, internet.
• Telephone bill (landline).
• Paystub.
• Correspondence from a government agency.

Residency Verification must be provided by parents/guardians upon initial enrollment. If the residence changes, parents/guardians must present updated residency verification to the school within two weeks of the change.

Proof of residency must have the same mailing address and service address. To verify residency within the Chula Vista Elementary School District, one current document dated within 60 days of your child's first day of school must be provided, showing the parent/caregiver/guardian's name and address.

Age Requirements

Forms and Documents

Web Links and Resources