A child must be five years old on or before August 31, 2024 to begin kindergarten.
Each child entering a North Carolina public school for the first time must submit proof of a to the school’s principal within 30 calendar days of the child’s first day of attendance. All children entering kindergarten this fall must have a health physical completed on or after August 14, 2023. The assessment must be submitted to the principal on kindergarten assessment forms provided by the N.C. Department of Human Resources and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Health assessement forms are available at elementary schools, the Gaston County Health Department and all pediatrician offices. Students who do not meet the state requirements for immunizations and a health assessment will not be allowed to remain in school.
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5 DTP/DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough)
If the fourth dose is on or after the fourth birthday, a fifth dose is not required.
4 Polio – IPV
3 doses are acceptable if the last dose was given on or after the fourth birthday.
1 HIB (Haemophilus Influenza B)
Must be given at 15 months of age and before five years of age. Not required after age five.
2 Measles
One dose after the first birthday and before 16 months, and the second dose before enrolling in school. Usually given as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella).
2 Mumps
One dose after 12 months and before 16 months, and the second dose before enrolling in school. Usually given as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella).
1 Rubella
One dose on or after 12 months and before 16 months.
3 Hepatitis B
Required for all students born on or after July 1, 1994.
2 Varicella (Chicken Pox)
Required for those students entering Kindergarten after July 1, 2015.
Immunization Requirement for Seventh Grade
Students should be up-to-date on all the vaccines required for kindergarten entry. In addition, students are required to have one dose of Tdap vaccine (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis-Whooping Cough) and one dose of meningoccal conjugate vaccine.
Immunization Requirement for Twelfth Grade
Students should be up-to-date on all vaccines required for kindergarten and seventh grade entry. Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, 12th graders are required to have an additional dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine for a total of two doses. A second dose is not required if the first dose was given after the 16th birthday.
Administering Medicine to Students
The Board of Education recognizes that students may need to take medication during school hours. School personnel may administer medication prescribed by a doctor upon written request of the parents. To minimize disruptions to the school day, medicine should be taken at home rather than at school whenever possible. Medications taken at school should be administered in compliance with .
Please contact the school nurse if you have questions about student immunization records or health requirements.
• Get information about Meningitis:
• Get information about the Flu:
