Alabama Childcare Licensing
Alabama Childcare Immunization Requirements (2026)
Children enrolled in a licensed Alabama childcare center must show proof of age-appropriate immunization. Alabama requires documentation for 6 vaccine series, with limited medical and legally permitted exemptions.
Licensing Agency
Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Child Care Services Division (Office of Child Care Licensing) →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamAlabama Immunization Requirements: The Specifics
Alabama childcare licensing requires age-appropriate On the child's first day of attendance, each child from 2 months of age to lawful school age (and each child of lawful school age not enrolled in public/private school kindergarten) must have a valid State of Alabama Certificate of Immunization on file in the center (660-5-26-.08(4)(b)3) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).
Alabama childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Each child's Certificate of Immunization must be kept current and updated according to the expiration date indicated on the certificate immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).
Alabama childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Acceptable in lieu of immunization: a valid State of Alabama Certificate of Medical Exemption immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).
Alabama childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Acceptable in lieu of immunization: a valid Alabama Certificate of Religious Exemption immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).
Alabama childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Children meeting the definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act are excepted (current codified version of 660-5-26-.08(4)(b)3) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).
Alabama childcare licensing requires age-appropriate The underlying immunization schedule and certificate are issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH); the day care licensing rule requires the ADPH-issued State of Alabama Certificate of Immunization but does not name a specific form number (e.g., IMM 50) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).
Alabama Immunization Requirements Checklist
- On the child's first day of attendance, each child from 2 months of age to lawful school age (and each child of lawful school age not enrolled in public/private school kindergarten) must have a valid State of Alabama Certificate of Immunization on file in the center (660-5-26-.08(4)(b)3)
- Each child's Certificate of Immunization must be kept current and updated according to the expiration date indicated on the certificate
- Acceptable in lieu of immunization: a valid State of Alabama Certificate of Medical Exemption
- Acceptable in lieu of immunization: a valid Alabama Certificate of Religious Exemption
- Children meeting the definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act are excepted (current codified version of 660-5-26-.08(4)(b)3)
- The underlying immunization schedule and certificate are issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH); the day care licensing rule requires the ADPH-issued State of Alabama Certificate of Immunization but does not name a specific form number (e.g., IMM 50)
Go Deeper
Generate a Alabama-Compliant Handbook
TotReady builds a fully compliant parent handbook for your Alabama childcare center in minutes — every required section, your branding, and regulatory citations included.
Alabama Immunization Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
Which vaccines does Alabama require for childcare enrollment?
Alabama requires age-appropriate immunization records for: On the child's first day of attendance, each child from 2 months of age to lawful school age (and each child of lawful school age not enrolled in public/private school kindergarten) must have a valid State of Alabama Certificate of Immunization on file in the center (660-5-26-.08(4)(b)3), Each child's Certificate of Immunization must be kept current and updated according to the expiration date indicated on the certificate, Acceptable in lieu of immunization: a valid State of Alabama Certificate of Medical Exemption, Acceptable in lieu of immunization: a valid Alabama Certificate of Religious Exemption, Children meeting the definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act are excepted (current codified version of 660-5-26-.08(4)(b)3), The underlying immunization schedule and certificate are issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH); the day care licensing rule requires the ADPH-issued State of Alabama Certificate of Immunization but does not name a specific form number (e.g., IMM 50).
Are immunization exemptions allowed in Alabama?
Alabama permits documented medical exemptions and, where state law allows, certain non-medical exemptions. Confirm the current exemption rules with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Child Care Services Division (Office of Child Care Licensing).
When must immunization records be on file in Alabama?
Alabama requires up-to-date immunization documentation at enrollment, with records kept current in each child's file thereafter.
Alabama childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Alabama administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Child Care Services Division (Office of Child Care Licensing) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.