What vaccines does Missouri require for children going to school? See the 2024 list
Missouri children return to school next month, and that means many students are due for required vaccinations.
Students in the state are required to receive certain immunizations before they can go to school in person. Public health officials say it is one of the best tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Parents should not wait too long to schedule immunizations for their children, Kansas City Health Department Director Dr. Marvia Jones told The Star in 2023. It can take time to get all of the required vaccinations done, and schools won’t allow children to attend until they get their entire list of vaccinations.
Jones said it’s also important to remember that when students advance to a new school — for example, starting middle school or high school — parents should check with their school or health care provider to see if new immunizations are needed.
“If you have a child that’s transitioning, now is a good time to take a look at their shot records and see what’s next,” Jones said. “The more that we can have people vaccinated, the better we are protected.”
Here’s what you need to know about what vaccines are required at Missouri, if you can exempt your child and where to book a vaccination appointment.
What vaccines are required for students in Missouri schools?
These vaccines are required for Missouri students to be able to attend school in 2024:
Five doses of DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) when or after the child turns 4 years old. The child will need another dose of pediatric pertussis before their 7th birthday.
Four polio vaccinations. One of the vaccinations has to come when or after they turn 4 years old.
Four MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations. Like the other vaccines, one has to come when or after they turn 4 years old.
Three Hepatitis B vaccines before they start kindergarten.
Two doses of the varicella vaccine, which protects against chickenpox. One of the vaccines has to come when or after the child turns 4 years old.
One dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) is required after your child reaches 10 years old. Another dose is required once the child reaches 16 years old. The vaccine prevents meningitis.
COVID-19 vaccines are not required for Missouri students.
The vaccine requirements apply to all schools in Missouri, including private schools.
How can I get my child’s immunization records?
If you’re unsure if your child is up-to-date on their vaccines, you can call your health provider to receive a copy of their records.
The Kansas City Health Department can help some families obtain immunization records if they received care from a doctor who reports to the state’s ShowMeVax database.
Children’s Mercy has a form online that you can fill out to request documents or if you want your physician to send your child’s medical records to Children’s Mercy.
Can I exempt my child from being vaccinated?
Missouri recognizes religious and medical exemptions for parents who don’t want to vaccinate their kids.
Parents requesting an exemption for their child must provide the school with a medical exemption form or a religious exemption form.
To get a medical exemption, you’ll have to get a written statement signed by a licensed doctor stating that the required vaccines would seriously endanger the life or health of the student.
Parents will mark what vaccine their child is being exempt from, and the doctor will sign it on the Missouri form.
To exempt a child from vaccinations for religious purposes, you will need to sign a written statement that your religion doesn’t allow your child to be vaccinated.
The religious exemption can apply to one or all vaccinations. The written note for Missouri residents has to be obtained from a local public health agency or the state bureau of immunizations. It only needs one signature from a parent or guardian, not a doctor.
Unimmunized children are subject to exclusion from school when outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases occur, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Service said.
Where can I get my child vaccinated?
Your health care provider will be able to provide vaccinations for your child, as can your local health department. You can find your health department on the Missouri Department of Health’s website.
School districts around Missouri also offer free vaccines, like Kansas City Public Schools. They host clinics during the summer where parents can take their kids to get vaccinated near them. Check with your kid’s school district to see when clinics are available.
