For the 2026-27 school year, New York requires every child to be age-appropriately immunized to attend school, and the state accepts only medical exemptions. Students in ungraded classes follow the requirements for the grade that matches their age. On September 10, 2026, the New York State and New York City health departments also endorsed this season's recommendations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV immunization. This guide covers both and ends with a short checklist for residential and day program teams.

New York's 2026-27 School Immunization Requirements

The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) publishes the school immunization requirements each year. They apply to day care, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten through grade 12 at public, private, and religious schools. Under state law, students must be immune to diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis B, varicella, and meningococcal disease. Children in day care and pre-kindergarten must also be immune to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and pneumococcal disease.

The number of doses depends on each student's grade and age. To see the full 2026-27 requirements, visit the NYS DOH School Vaccination Requirements page at health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/schools/school_vaccines.

Ungraded Classes Follow Age-Equivalent Requirements

Many students with intellectual and developmental disabilities attend ungraded classes. The NYS DOH chart states that children in these classes must meet the requirements of the grade they are age-equivalent to.

Medical Exemptions Only

New York does not allow nonmedical exemptions from school immunization requirements. A valid medical exemption, completed according to state rules, is the only accepted exemption.

The 14-Day Window After the First Day of School

According to NYS DOH, families have 14 days from the first day of school to provide proof of immunization or a valid medical exemption. A child who is unvaccinated or behind on vaccines must receive at least the first dose of each required vaccine within that 14-day window.

Fall 2026 Respiratory Vaccine Recommendations in New York

On September 10, 2026, the New York City Health Department and the New York State Department of Health jointly endorsed the 2026-27 respiratory virus season immunization recommendations. These recommendations come from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and were developed with the American Medical Association and the Vaccine Integrity Project.

Flu. The endorsed guidance recommends a flu vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older.

COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for most people age 6 months and older, with an emphasis on people at higher risk of severe illness.

RSV. RSV guidance is narrower than flu and COVID-19 guidance. The endorsed recommendations cover:

• All adults 75 and older who have not received an RSV vaccine before.
• Adults 50 through 74 in certain risk groups who have not received an RSV vaccine before.
• Pregnant people during their first eligible pregnancy.
• Infants younger than 8 months whose birthing parent did not receive an RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
• Children 8 through 19 months in certain risk groups.

Because the adult recommendation applies to people who have not had an RSV vaccine before, adult RSV vaccination is not a yearly shot the way flu vaccination is. Check each person's immunization record and talk with their physician.

Higher Risk for Many of the Individuals Agencies Support

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald highlighted who faces the greatest risk in the September 10 announcement:

"People with certain health conditions, like asthma, diabetes, or heart or lung conditions have higher risk."
- Dr. James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner, NYC Health press release

In the same release, Dr. McDonald noted that New York recorded about 27,000 flu hospitalizations, 14,000 RSV hospitalizations, and 13,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations last year. Many of the individuals our partner agencies support live with one or more of the conditions he named, which makes fall vaccines especially important for them.

Staff Are Part of the Circle of Protection

Direct support professionals, nurses, and house staff play a role in protecting the people they care for. When staff stay current on their flu and COVID-19 vaccines, they help protect the people in their care, especially individuals who may not be able to tell someone when they are starting to feel unwell.

A Fall Vaccine Checklist for Agency Teams

• Review each person's immunization record and note anything coming due.
• Make sure school health forms are complete for students returning to class.
• Talk with each person's physician about which fall vaccines are right for them.
• Document vaccines according to your agency's protocol.

Questions About Vaccines and Medications

The Hudson Regional pharmacy team is happy to help with vaccine and medication questions. Reach us at info@hrltcp.org or 845.341.2700.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vaccines are required for school in New York for 2026-27?

Students must be immune to diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis B, varicella, and meningococcal disease, and children in day care and pre-K must also be immune to Hib and pneumococcal disease. Dose counts by grade are listed on the NYS DOH School Vaccination Requirements page at health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/schools/school_vaccines.

Does New York allow religious exemptions for school vaccines?

No. New York accepts only medical exemptions from school immunization requirements.

What immunization requirements apply to students in ungraded classes?

Students in ungraded classes must meet the requirements for the grade that matches their age.

How long do families have to show proof of vaccination for school in New York?

Families have 14 days from the first day of school to provide proof of immunization or a valid medical exemption. Students who are behind must receive at least the first dose of each required vaccine within that window.

Who should get an RSV vaccine this fall in New York?

The endorsed recommendations cover adults 75 and older, adults 50 through 74 in certain risk groups, pregnant people in their first eligible pregnancy, some infants under 8 months, and children 8 through 19 months in certain risk groups. Adults are included if they have not received an RSV vaccine before.

Should direct support professionals get flu and COVID-19 vaccines?

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, and COVID-19 vaccination for most people 6 months and older. Staff who stay current help protect the individuals in their care, especially those who may not be able to report symptoms.