Back-to-school season in Orange County comes with to-do lists, shopping trips, and schedule shifts — but one item often overlooked is your child’s immunization record. Whether your child is entering preschool, kindergarten, or a new grade, schools in California require up-to-date vaccinations to ensure community-wide protection.

At Ocean Pediatrics, we make sure families are not only prepared, but confident, when it comes to their child’s health. Here’s everything you need to know to get your little ones school-ready.

What vaccines does your child need?

California law mandates that children receive certain vaccines before starting school, including:

• DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis)
• IPV (Polio)
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Hepatitis B
• Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) 

These are among the required immunizations for Orange County schools, and the schedule can vary slightly by age and school level. If your child is starting transitional kindergarten (TK) or kindergarten, they must have received all required doses by the time school begins. Seventh-grade students also need a Tdap booster and two doses of the Varicella vaccine.

How to check your child’s immunization record

You can request a copy of your child’s immunization record from your pediatrician. At our Orange County pediatric offices, we provide digital and printed records for your convenience, and we’ll help ensure everything is up-to-date based on state requirements.

If you’re not sure whether your child is due for a shot, we can review the schedule and advise you on next steps — so there are no surprises at school registration.

What if your child is missing a vaccine?

Don’t worry, Ocean Pediatrics is here to help! We offer catch-up immunization plans and convenient weekend appointments, even same-day visits. Our team uses the most advanced medical technology to ensure accuracy and comfort, so you and your child feel at ease.

Plus, if you’re new to the area or switching providers, we can help transfer and organize past records.

Are there exemptions allowed in California schools?

It’s important to note that California allows exemptions for vaccines only for medical reasons, (personal belief and religious exemptions were removed in 2016). These exemptions must be issued by a licensed physician, typically a specialty provider, which is then filed through the California Immunization Registry (CAIR-ME). At Ocean Pediatrics, we follow all state guidelines while working closely with families to address any medical concerns with care and transparency.

Get school-ready with Ocean Pediatrics!

Founded by Dr. Steven Abelowitz, one of Southern California’s most trusted pediatricians, our pediatric office offers warm, empathetic care with a passionate team of providers. And when it comes to required immunizations for California schools, we make the process simple — from updating records to administering last-minute vaccines — so your child starts the school year protected and prepared.

So schedule an appointment with us to get your child’s immunizations fully updated — and do it before the bell rings!