Montana Childcare Licensing

Montana Childcare Immunization Requirements (2026)

Children enrolled in a licensed Montana childcare center must show proof of age-appropriate immunization. Montana requires documentation for 12 vaccine series, with limited medical and legally permitted exemptions.

Licensing Agency

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Early Childhood and Family Support Division (ECFSD) — Child Care Licensing (CCL) Program →

Last updated: April 2026

Researched by the TotReady Research Team

Montana Immunization Requirements: The Specifics

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

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

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

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

Montana childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Diphtheria (DTaP/DTP/DT/Tdap) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Montana childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Pertussis / whooping cough (DTaP/DTP/Tdap) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Montana childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Tetanus (DTaP/DTP/DT/Tdap/Td) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

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

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

Montana childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Pneumococcal disease (PCV) — not required for children 5 years and older immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Montana childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) — not required for children 5 years and older immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Montana childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Exemptions allowed: medical contraindication and religious grounds (Affidavit HES-113); conditional/grace-period enrollment permitted (ARM 37.96.802; ARM 37.96.805; ARM 37.96.806) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Montana Immunization Requirements Checklist

  • Measles (MMR)
  • Mumps (MMR)
  • Rubella (MMR)
  • Poliomyelitis (polio)
  • Diphtheria (DTaP/DTP/DT/Tdap)
  • Pertussis / whooping cough (DTaP/DTP/Tdap)
  • Tetanus (DTaP/DTP/DT/Tdap/Td)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Pneumococcal disease (PCV) — not required for children 5 years and older
  • Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) — not required for children 5 years and older
  • Exemptions allowed: medical contraindication and religious grounds (Affidavit HES-113); conditional/grace-period enrollment permitted (ARM 37.96.802; ARM 37.96.805; ARM 37.96.806)

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Montana Immunization Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions

Which vaccines does Montana require for childcare enrollment?

Montana requires age-appropriate immunization records for: Measles (MMR), Mumps (MMR), Rubella (MMR), Poliomyelitis (polio), Diphtheria (DTaP/DTP/DT/Tdap), Pertussis / whooping cough (DTaP/DTP/Tdap), Tetanus (DTaP/DTP/DT/Tdap/Td), Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal disease (PCV) — not required for children 5 years and older, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) — not required for children 5 years and older, Exemptions allowed: medical contraindication and religious grounds (Affidavit HES-113); conditional/grace-period enrollment permitted (ARM 37.96.802; ARM 37.96.805; ARM 37.96.806).

Are immunization exemptions allowed in Montana?

Montana permits documented medical exemptions and, where state law allows, certain non-medical exemptions. Confirm the current exemption rules with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Early Childhood and Family Support Division (ECFSD) — Child Care Licensing (CCL) Program.

When must immunization records be on file in Montana?

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

Montana childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Montana administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Early Childhood and Family Support Division (ECFSD) — Child Care Licensing (CCL) Program before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.