The Arkansas Department of Health has immunization requirements for those who attend child care, pre-school, and school. The state’s immunization requirements follow the current schedule published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).  

Children enrolling in child care facilities, pre-school, pre-Kindergarten

Infants entering child care facilities must be up to date at the time of enrollment and are required to provide an updated certificate after completing all of the required vaccines due no later than 18 months of age.

  • Hepatitis B (HBV)

  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)

  • Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV)

  • Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) – age younger than 5 years only

  • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) – age younger than 5 years only

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella – 1 dose of each, normally given together as MMR

  • Varicella – 1 dose or credible history of disease

  • Hepatitis A – 1 dose, required by 18 months of age or older

Children enrolling in Kindergarten

  • Hepatitis B (HBV)

  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)

  • Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV) – final dose on or after the 4th birthday

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella – 2 doses of each, normally given together as MMR

  • Varicella – 2 doses or credible history of disease

  • Hepatitis A – total of 2 doses, spaced at least 6 – 18 months apart

All children entering 7th grade (including currently enrolled students)

  • In addition to the vaccines requirements listed below, one dose of Meningococcal vaccine is required upon entering the 7th grade

Children who are new enrollees in a AR school in grades other than Kindergarten

  • Hepatitis B (HBV)

  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)

  • Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV – final dose on or after the 4th birthday

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella – 2 doses of each, normally given together as MMR

  • Varicella – 2 doses or credible history of disease

  • New students entering grades other than 7th grade are not required to have Tdap

Immunization Exemptions

Arkansas law allows exceptions for medical reasons and religious beliefs.

Medical

Physicians (MD or DO) or Public Health Nurses are authorized to indicate specific vaccines medically exempted (because of risk of harm) on the certificate. Other vaccines remain required.

The medical reason for the exemption does not need to be provided. The form certifies that a child has a condition that prevents him/her from getting vaccinated. A physician statement outlining medical reasons for an exemption of a specific immunization is to be submitted to the Medical Director of the Communicable Disease/Immunization Section with the exemption form.

Religious

Religious exemptions can be granted for children “on the grounds that such immunization conflicts with the religious tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination of which said parent or guardian is an adherent or member” in accordance with Arkansas Statute.

Forms

To request exemption forms email the Arkansas Department of Health.

Mail the completed and notarized form to:

Arkansas Department of Health,
4815 West Markham – Mailslot 48
Little Rock, AR 72205