Washington school vaccine requirements, exemptions & schedule
United States · WA
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)
Washington Administrative Code 246-105 requires DTaP (5 doses), Polio (4 doses), MMR (2 doses), Hepatitis B (3 doses), Varicella (2 doses or proof of disease), Tdap (grades 6-12), and Meningococcal (grades 7-12). In 2019 (HB 1638), Washington eliminated the personal/philosophical exemption for MMR only; other exemptions remain for non-MMR vaccines.
▶ 🏛 Private Schools
Washington's school requirements apply to all public and private schools. The 2019 MMR exemption elimination applies equally to private schools.
▶ 👶 Daycare / Child Care
Licensed child-care facilities require DTaP, Polio, Hib, PCV (age-appropriate), MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis A per WAC 246-105.
▶ 🎓 Postsecondary / University
Washington public universities require MMR (2 doses). University of Washington additionally requires COVID-19 vaccination (subject to change). Meningococcal vaccine recommended for residential students.
▶ 🏥 Healthcare Workers
Washington healthcare facilities must offer Hepatitis B and influenza vaccination. Washington State Hospital Association members have agreed to annual influenza vaccination policies. Hepatitis B per OSHA.
📊 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) |
| 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, physician assistant, or naturopathic physician (ND) to the school.
Renewal: According to provider's determination.
Approving authority: MD, DO, NP, PA, or ND
🔗 Certificate of Exemption (DOH 348-106) → (opens in a new tab)Link verified on 2026-11-01
🙏 Religious
AvailableFor religious beliefs
Documentation: Parent/guardian must complete the Certificate of Exemption and have it signed by a healthcare provider. The provider's signature verifies that the parent received vaccine education — it does NOT mean the provider endorses the exemption. Submit completed COE to school. A separate religious membership exemption, for families who belong to a church or religion whose teachings do not allow health care practitioners to give medical treatment to the child, does not need a health care practitioner's signature.
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 with healthcare provider signature for education
🔗 Certificate of Exemption (DOH 348-106) → (opens in a new tab)Link verified on 2026-11-01
✋ Personal Belief
AvailableFor philosophical or personal convictions
Documentation: Same process as religious exemption, except that measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) may not be exempted for personal/philosophical reasons.
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 with healthcare provider signature for education
🔗 Certificate of Exemption (DOH 348-106) → (opens in a new tab)Link verified on 2026-11-01
🏠 Homeschool Information
Requirements
Washington does not require immunization for homeschool students. Under Revised Code of Washington §28A.210.080, immunization requirements apply to 'every child in this state attending school,' but Washington's homeschool statute RCW §28A.200 does not classify homeschool as 'attending school' for this purpose. The Washington State Department of Health and OSPI guidance confirm this exemption.
Reporting
No immunization reporting required for homeschool students. The annual Declaration of Intent does not include immunization information.
Exemptions
Not applicable — homeschool students are exempt. Washington allows medical, religious/philosophical, and personal exemptions for school-attending students (RCW §28A.210.090).
Notes
Washington amended its exemption law in 2019 (HB 1638) to require a health care practitioner's signature for philosophical exemptions — but this only applies to school-attending students. Homeschool students are not affected.
🔗 Official Government Resources
📅 Recent Legislative & Policy Changes
2026-07-01
Washington 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 Washington?
Washington Administrative Code 246-105 requires DTaP (5 doses), Polio (4 doses), MMR (2 doses), Hepatitis B (3 doses), Varicella (2 doses or proof of disease), Tdap (grades 6-12), and Meningococcal (grades 7-12). In 2019 (HB 1638), Washington eliminated the personal/philosophical exemption for MMR only; other exemptions remain for non-MMR vaccines. Source: Washington State Department of Health.
▶ What vaccines does Washington require for daycare and preschool?
Licensed child-care facilities require DTaP, Polio, Hib, PCV (age-appropriate), MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis A per WAC 246-105.
▶ Does Washington allow religious or personal-belief vaccine exemptions?
Washington allows medical, religious and personal-belief exemptions. Measles, mumps, and rubella may not be exempted for personal/philosophical reasons. Non-medical exemptions require a Certificate of Exemption (COE) signed by a healthcare provider confirming the parent received immunization education, except the religious membership exemption, which needs no provider signature.
▶ How do I get a vaccine exemption in Washington?
Medical: Submit form signed by a licensed physician (MD/DO), nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or naturopathic physician (ND) to the school. Religious: Parent/guardian must complete the Certificate of Exemption and have it signed by a healthcare provider. The provider's signature verifies that the parent received vaccine education — it does NOT mean the provider endorses the exemption. Submit completed COE to school. A separate religious membership exemption, for families who belong to a church or religion whose teachings do not allow health care practitioners to give medical treatment to the child, does not need a health care practitioner's signature. Personal-belief: Same process as religious exemption, except that measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) may not be exempted for personal/philosophical reasons. Official forms and links for every state and province are in the exemption forms directory.
▶ What vaccines are required for college in Washington?
Washington public universities require MMR (2 doses). University of Washington additionally requires COVID-19 vaccination (subject to change). Meningococcal vaccine recommended for residential students.