"Importance of Vaccinations for NYC Students and Adults during Back-to-School Season"

New York City students must meet state vaccine requirements to attend school, including vaccinations for diseases such as DTaP, poliovirus, MMR, varicella, and hepatitis B. Medical exemptions can be obtained with a form completed by a licensed medical doctor, while religious exemptions are no longer accepted. Proof of vaccination must be provided within 14 days of the first day of school, and unvaccinated children must receive the first dose within 14 days and complete subsequent doses on schedule. Vaccinations can be obtained from healthcare providers or Department of Health clinics. Students behind on vaccinations may still attend school with the first dose, but remaining doses must be administered according to the schedule. In case of a disease outbreak, children may be excluded from school for one incubation period. Children who are immune to a disease can apply for an opt-out with a completed form. The article also provides a suggested vaccination schedule by grade.