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Immunization Program

Immunizations Required for School Entry in South Dakota

South Dakota Codified Law 13-28-7.1 requires students entering school or early childhood programs to present certification that they have been adequately immunized, according to the recommendations of the Department of Health. The law applies to all children entering school for the first time, including transfer students. Minimum immunization requirements are defined as:

  1. Four or more doses of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus containing vaccine, with at least one dose administered on or after age 4. Children 7 years and older needing the primary series are required to have Td and only need three doses, with at least 6 months between dose two and three. If the child is 11 or older, the first dose of the primary series should be Tdap and the second and third

    doses should be Td, with at least 6 months between dose two and three. Children receiving six doses before age 4 do not require any additional doses for school requirements. The maximum a child should receive is six doses.

  2. Four or more doses of poliovirus vaccine, at least one dose on or after age 4; if four doses are administered prior to age 4 years, a fifth dose should be administered after age 4. (Although not the recommended schedule - If a child has three doses of polio with the third dose administered on or after the age of 4 and at least 6 months after the second dose, no other doses are required.)
  3. Two doses of a measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) or submit serological evidence of immunity. Minimum age for the first dose is 12 months. Administer the second dose routinely at age 4 through 6 years. The second dose may be administered prior to age 4 provided at least 28 days have elapsed since the first dose.
  4. One dose of varicella vaccine. The minimum age for the first dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is 12 months. History of disease is acceptable with parent/guardian signature.
  5. The additional immunization requirement for kindergarten entry only is two doses of varicella vaccine. Administer the second dose at age 4 through 6 years. The minimum interval between the two doses is 3 months. History of disease is acceptable with parent or guardian signature.

 

NOTE: Haemophilus Influenzae B, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and  Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended but not required.

Contact the South Dakota Department of Health, Immunization Program, at 1-800-592-1861 (in SD only), or email with your questions.