Rhode Island school vaccine requirements, exemptions & schedule
United States · RI
Last updated: 2026-11-01
💉 Vaccination Schedule
2 months
4 months
6 months
May be given at 6–18 months
(opens in a new tab) 💉 Hib Dose 3Depending on product
(opens in a new tab) 💉 PCV (Pneumococcal) Dose 3 (opens in a new tab) 💉 Rotavirus Dose 3Depending on product
(opens in a new tab) 💉 Hepatitis B Dose 36–18 months
(opens in a new tab) 💉 Influenza AnnualFrom 6 months annually
(opens in a new tab) 💉 COVID-19 Per current guidanceFrom 6 months
(opens in a new tab)12–15 months
15–18 months
4–6 years
11–12 years
🏫 School & Institutional Requirements
▶ 🏫 Public Schools (K–12)
Rhode Island General Law §16-38-2 and R23-1-IMM require DTaP (5 doses), Polio (4 doses), MMR (2 doses), Hepatitis B (3 doses), Varicella (2 doses), Tdap (grade 7), Meningococcal (grade 7 and 12), HPV (grade 7 — first dose only, with opt-out), and Hepatitis A (K-12). Rhode Island requires annual influenza vaccine for all children in child-care. One of the most comprehensive immunization states.
▶ 🏛 Private Schools
Rhode Island's immunization law applies to all schools including private, parochial, and independent. No distinction is made in enforcement.
▶ 👶 Daycare / Child Care
Licensed child-care facilities require DTaP, Polio, Hib, PCV, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, and annual influenza per Rhode Island child-care immunization regulations (R23-1-IMM).
▶ 🎓 Postsecondary / University
Rhode Island requires all postsecondary students to provide proof of MMR (2 doses), Varicella (2 doses), Tdap, Hepatitis B (3 doses), and Meningococcal vaccination (or signed waiver). This is one of the most comprehensive university immunization requirements in the US.
▶ 🏥 Healthcare Workers
Rhode Island healthcare workers must receive annual influenza vaccine or wear a mask (RIGL §23-17.5). Hepatitis B per OSHA. MMR documentation widely required.
📊 Required Vaccines by Setting
| DTaP / Tdap | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | View → (opens in a new tab) |
| Hepatitis A | ✓ | ✓ | — | View → (opens in a new tab) |
| Hepatitis B | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | View → (opens in a new tab) |
| Hib | — | ✓ | — | View → (opens in a new tab) |
| HPV | ✓ | — | — | View → (opens in a new tab) |
| Influenza | — | ✓ | — | View → (opens in a new tab) |
| Meningococcal | ✓ | — | ✓ | View → (opens in a new tab) |
| MMR | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | View → (opens in a new tab) |
| PCV (Pneumococcal) | — | ✓ | — | View → (opens in a new tab) |
| Polio (IPV) | ✓ | ✓ | — | View → (opens in a new tab) |
| Varicella | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | View → (opens in a new tab) |
📝 Vaccine Exemptions
🏥 Medical
AvailableFor medical contraindications
Documentation: Submit form signed by a licensed physician (MD/DO), nurse practitioner, or physician assistant to the school.
Renewal: Not stated in the official sources we read. Check each school year and confirm with the school or health department.
Approving authority: MD, DO, NP, or PA
🔗 Medical Immunization Exemption Certificate → (opens in a new tab)Link verified on 2026-11-01
🙏 Religious
AvailableFor religious beliefs
Documentation: Parent/guardian completes and signs the state Religious Immunization Exemption Certificate, provided by the school. Submit to school.
Renewal: Not stated in the official sources we read. Check each school year and confirm with the school or health department.
Approving authority: Parent/guardian
🔗 Religious Immunization Exemption Certificate (May 1, 2019) → (opens in a new tab)Link verified on 2026-11-01
✋ Personal Belief
Not AvailableFor philosophical or personal convictions
🏠 Homeschool Information
Requirements
Rhode Island requires homeschool students to comply with immunization requirements. Under Rhode Island General Law §16-38-2, immunization applies to 'any person who seeks to be admitted to any public or private school,' and the Rhode Island homeschool approval process (RIGL §16-19-1) requires documentation including medical records.
Reporting
Homeschool families must submit immunization records when filing for initial school committee approval. Some districts require annual updates.
Exemptions
Medical exemptions (physician statement) and religious exemptions (parent statement) available. RIGL §16-38-2(d) provides for religious exemption — parent must submit a signed statement. No philosophical exemption.
Notes
Rhode Island's homeschool approval process is one of the most burdensome in the nation, and immunization compliance is part of the initial approval. Once approved, ongoing immunization reporting is minimal unless a child enters a new age bracket.
🔗 Official Government Resources
📅 Recent Legislative & Policy Changes
2026-07-01
Rhode Island immunization data added to Parent Decision Center.
🔬 Related Vaccine Evidence Pages
Each card links to the full VaccineDataNavigator evidence page — including clinical trials, data, pharmacovigilance, ingredients, and references.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
▶ What vaccines are required for kindergarten and school in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island General Law §16-38-2 and R23-1-IMM require DTaP (5 doses), Polio (4 doses), MMR (2 doses), Hepatitis B (3 doses), Varicella (2 doses), Tdap (grade 7), Meningococcal (grade 7 and 12), HPV (grade 7 — first dose only, with opt-out), and Hepatitis A (K-12). Rhode Island requires annual influenza vaccine for all children in child-care. One of the most comprehensive immunization states. Source: Rhode Island Department of Health.
▶ What vaccines does Rhode Island require for daycare and preschool?
Licensed child-care facilities require DTaP, Polio, Hib, PCV, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, and annual influenza per Rhode Island child-care immunization regulations (R23-1-IMM).
▶ Does Rhode Island allow religious or personal-belief vaccine exemptions?
Rhode Island allows medical and religious exemptions; personal-belief exemptions are not available. Religious exemption requires a signed state certificate.
▶ How do I get a vaccine exemption in Rhode Island?
Medical: Submit form signed by a licensed physician (MD/DO), nurse practitioner, or physician assistant to the school. Religious: Parent/guardian completes and signs the state Religious Immunization Exemption Certificate, provided by the school. Submit to school. Official forms and links for every state and province are in the exemption forms directory.
▶ What vaccines are required for college in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires all postsecondary students to provide proof of MMR (2 doses), Varicella (2 doses), Tdap, Hepatitis B (3 doses), and Meningococcal vaccination (or signed waiver). This is one of the most comprehensive university immunization requirements in the US.