Vaccine Requirements for Children Birth to 5 in New York State

Vaccines are essential for protecting young children from serious diseases. In New York State (NYS), children attending daycare and pre-K must meet specific immunization requirements to ensure their safety and prevent outbreaks.

Required Vaccines for Daycare & Pre-K

Vaccine Doses Required

Hepatitis B (HepB) 3 doses

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) 4 doses

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) 1-4 doses

Polio (IPV) 3 doses

Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV) 1-4 doses

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) 1 dose

Varicella (Chickenpox) 1 dose

Hepatitis A (HepA) 2 doses

Influenza (Flu) 1 dose annually

Why Vaccines Matter

• Protect Children from Severe Illnesses – Vaccines prevent diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough, which can be life-threatening.

• Prevent Outbreaks in Daycares – Close contact among young children makes vaccination critical for disease prevention.

• Meet NYS Enrollment Requirements – Proof of immunization is mandatory for daycare and pre-K attendance.

• Safeguard the Community – Vaccination helps protect those who cannot receive certain vaccines due to medical conditions.

Stay on Track

• Schedule regular checkups with your child’s doctor.

• Keep an updated immunization record for daycare/pre-K enrollment.

• Get the annual flu shot to reduce risks.

Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect children and communities. For more details, consult your pediatrician or visit the NYS Department of Health website.