For Children Entering Kindergarten:
All children entering kindergarten are required to be up-to-date with their childhood immunizations as well as have a physical examination. This is the perfect opportunity to review your child’s immunization record with his or her doctor to ensure that your child is protected from all vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Rhode Island Department of Health's Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Immunization and Testing for Communicable Diseases (R23-1-IMM), all children entering Kindergarten in the fall are required to have the following immunizations:.
 | Three (3) doses of Hepatitis B vaccine |
| Five (5) doses of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis ) vaccine |
| Four (4) doses of Polio vaccine |
| Two (2) doses of MMR (measles, mumps. rubella) vaccine |
| Two (2) dose of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or a statement signed by your child's doctor stating that your child has a history of Varicella (chickenpox) disease |
| Lead Screening w/date of screening |
| Physical Exam (If your child's physical is not yet due, please bring evidence of their last physical.) |
| Vision Sceening (***NEW requirement as of Sept. 06) |
All children entering Kindergarten are required by State Law 5182 to have a vision screening before the start of the school year. This screening can be done during a regular health exam or check up.
If the child fails the vision screening or has a neurodevelopmental delay, he or she must have a comprehensive eye exam by an eye doctor, i.e., an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.
AN IMPORTANT REMINDER ABOUT FLU VACCINATION:
An annual influenza (flu) vaccination is now recommended for all children from 6 months to eighteen years of age.
In addition, children must be five (5) years old on or before September 1 to enter kindergarten.
Following the kindergarten registration, a representative from the Northwest Region Child Outreach Program will be available to schedule an appointment for any child who has not yet been screened through Child Outreach. This screening is for vision, speech, hearing, and development.
CLICK HERE FOR LIST OF FREE IMMUNIZATION CLINICS