California Childcare Licensing

California Childcare Immunization Requirements (2026)

Children enrolled in a licensed California childcare center must show proof of age-appropriate immunization. California requires documentation for 7 vaccine series, with limited medical and legally permitted exemptions.

Licensing Agency

California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division →

Last updated: April 2026

Researched by the TotReady Research Team

California Immunization Requirements: The Specifics

California childcare licensing requires age-appropriate DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

California childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Polio immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

California childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

California childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Hepatitis B immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

California childcare licensing requires age-appropriate MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

California childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Varicella immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

California childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Hepatitis A (required since 2018) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

California Immunization Requirements Checklist

  • DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
  • Polio
  • Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
  • Hepatitis B
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis A (required since 2018)

Go Deeper

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California Immunization Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions

Which vaccines does California require for childcare enrollment?

California requires age-appropriate immunization records for: DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Polio, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), Hepatitis B, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella, Hepatitis A (required since 2018).

Are immunization exemptions allowed in California?

California permits documented medical exemptions and, where state law allows, certain non-medical exemptions. Confirm the current exemption rules with the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division.

When must immunization records be on file in California?

California requires up-to-date immunization documentation at enrollment, with records kept current in each child's file thereafter.

California childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published California administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.