New York's school vaccine requirements remain in effect for the 2026-27 academic year despite changes in federal guidance, according to pediatric experts at University of Rochester Medicine.
Families who are unsure whether a child is current on required shots should review vaccine records with a pediatrician, who can build a catch-up schedule without necessarily restarting an incomplete series.
What schools require
Children entering preschool or kindergarten are required to receive vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; polio; measles, mumps and rubella; chickenpox; and hepatitis B.
Students entering sixth grade need a Tdap dose, while those entering seventh grade need a meningococcal vaccine. Additional meningococcal doses may be required during high school.
UR Medicine said annual flu, COVID-19 and human papillomavirus vaccines may not be required for school attendance but remain worth discussing with a child's doctor.
Doctors urge early flu protection
Pediatric infectious disease specialists recommend arranging flu shots early. UR Medicine said the last flu season was considered severe, with 188 pediatric deaths nationwide and 16 in New York.
Dr. Jennifer Nayak of Golisano Children's Hospital said flu vaccination can cut a child's hospitalization risk by about half. Families with questions about timing should consult their pediatrician.
COVID and RSV guidance varies by risk
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all infants and children ages 6 through 23 months who have no contraindications, according to the UR Medicine guidance. It also recommends vaccination for moderately or severely immunocompromised children ages 6 months through 18 years.
For children ages 2 through 18, the academy recommends vaccination for those at elevated risk of severe illness, those living in long-term care or other congregate settings, those never previously vaccinated and those who live with someone at high risk. UR Medicine said the shots may be less available at pharmacies but are expected to remain covered by insurance.
Infant protection from respiratory syncytial virus can include vaccination during pregnancy or a monoclonal antibody shot for babies younger than 8 months during their first RSV season. Those options are available through local obstetric and pediatric offices.
College students should check campus rules
Many colleges require the MenACWY meningococcal vaccine and may recommend additional doses or the MenB series based on housing or activities. Students should also stay current on Tdap, flu and COVID-19 vaccines and can begin or complete the HPV vaccine series during college.
Students should make an appointment with campus health services or a local pharmacy and submit updated records through their college's student portal.
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