South Dakota school vaccine requirements, exemptions & schedule
United States · SD
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)
South Dakota Codified Laws §13-28-7.1 and ARSD 44:20 require DTaP (5 doses), Polio (4 doses), MMR (2 doses), Hepatitis B (3 doses), Varicella (2 doses or proof of disease), and Tdap (grades 6-12). Meningococcal required at grade 6 and 16.
▶ 🏛 Private Schools
South Dakota's immunization law applies to all accredited schools including private.
▶ 👶 Daycare / Child Care
Licensed child-care facilities require DTaP, Polio, Hib, PCV, MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B (age-appropriate).
▶ 🎓 Postsecondary / University
South Dakota Board of Regents institutions require MMR (2 doses). Meningococcal vaccine recommended for residential students.
▶ 🏥 Healthcare Workers
South Dakota healthcare facilities follow CDC guidelines. Hepatitis B per OSHA. Influenza recommended.
📊 Required Vaccines by Setting
| DTaP / Tdap | ✓ | ✓ | — | View → (opens in a new tab) |
| Hepatitis B | ✓ | ✓ | — | View → (opens in a new tab) |
| Hib | — | ✓ | — | 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 certification from a licensed physician on the South Dakota Department of Health Certificate of Immunization form to the school.
Renewal: According to provider's recommendation.
Approving authority: Licensed physician
🔗 SD Administrative Rules ch. 44:81:06 → (opens in a new tab)Link verified on 2026-11-01
🙏 Religious
AvailableFor religious beliefs
Documentation: Parent/guardian signs the South Dakota Department of Health Certificate of Immunization form, or provides a signed statement that the child is an adherent to a religious doctrine whose teachings are opposed to immunization. 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
🔗 SD Administrative Rules ch. 44:81:06 (no state form) → (opens in a new tab)Link verified on 2026-11-01
✋ Personal Belief
Not AvailableFor philosophical or personal convictions
🏠 Homeschool Information
Requirements
South Dakota does not require immunization for homeschool students. Under South Dakota Codified Laws §13-28-7.1, immunization requirements apply to 'any child entering school for the first time,' and South Dakota homeschool statute §13-27-3 does not classify homeschool programs as schools for immunization purposes.
Reporting
No immunization reporting required for homeschool students.
Exemptions
Not applicable — homeschool students are exempt. South Dakota allows medical and religious exemptions for school-attending students (SDCL §13-28-7.1).
Notes
South Dakota Department of Health guidance confirms that homeschool students are not required to comply with school immunization requirements.
🔗 Official Government Resources
📅 Recent Legislative & Policy Changes
2026-07-01
South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
South Dakota Codified Laws §13-28-7.1 and ARSD 44:20 require DTaP (5 doses), Polio (4 doses), MMR (2 doses), Hepatitis B (3 doses), Varicella (2 doses or proof of disease), and Tdap (grades 6-12). Meningococcal required at grade 6 and 16. Source: South Dakota Department of Health.
▶ What vaccines does South Dakota require for daycare and preschool?
Licensed child-care facilities require DTaP, Polio, Hib, PCV, MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B (age-appropriate).
▶ Does South Dakota allow religious or personal-belief vaccine exemptions?
South Dakota allows medical and religious exemptions; personal-belief exemptions are not available. A religious exemption requires a parent or guardian's signature on the state form or a signed statement.
▶ How do I get a vaccine exemption in South Dakota?
Medical: Submit certification from a licensed physician on the South Dakota Department of Health Certificate of Immunization form to the school. Religious: Parent/guardian signs the South Dakota Department of Health Certificate of Immunization form, or provides a signed statement that the child is an adherent to a religious doctrine whose teachings are opposed to immunization. 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 South Dakota?
South Dakota Board of Regents institutions require MMR (2 doses). Meningococcal vaccine recommended for residential students.