5.10 - Immunization, Health, Eye & Dental Examination

Immunization, Health, Eye and Dental Examinations

Required Health Examinations and Immunizations

 All students are required to present appropriate proof of a health examination and the immunizations against, and screenings for, preventable communicable diseases within one year prior to:

 Entering kindergarten or the first grade;

1. Entering preschool;
2. Entering kindergarten or the first grade;
3. Entering the sixth and ninth grades; and
4. Enrolling in an Illinois school for the first time, regardless of the student’s grade;
5. Entering the Transition Program (thirteenth grade); and
6. Entering an Illinois school for the first time, regardless of the student’s grade.

Proof of immunization against meningococcal disease is required for students in grades 6 and 12.  A diabetes screening must be included as part of the health exam (though diabetes testing is not required).  Students between the age of one and seven must provide a statement from a physician assuring that the student was “risk-assessed” or screened for lead poisoning. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, an age-appropriate developmental screening and an age-appropriate social and emotional screening are required parts of each health examination.

Failure to comply with the above requirements by September 1 of the current school year will result in the student’s exclusion from school until the required health forms are presented to the school, subject to certain exceptions. A student will not be excluded from school due to his or her parent/guardian’s failure to obtain a developmental screening or a social and emotional screening.

New students who register mid-term have 30 days following registration to comply with the health examination and immunization requirements.  If a medical reason prevents a student from receiving a required immunization by September 1, the student must present, by September 1, an immunization schedule and a statement of the medical reasons causing the delay.  The schedule and statement of medical reasons must be signed by an appropriate medical professional.

Eye Examination

All students entering kindergarten or the school for the first time must present proof by October 15 of the current school year of an eye examination performed within one year.  Failure to present proof by October 15, allows the school to hold the student’s report card until the student presents: (1) proof of a completed eye examination, or (2) that an eye examination will take place within 60 days after October 15.

 Dental Examination

All students entering kindergarten, second, sixth and ninth grades must present proof by May 15 of the current school year of having been examined by a licensed dentist within the last 18 months.  Failure to present proof allows the school to hold the child’s report card until the student presents: (1) proof of a completed dental examination, or (2) that a dental examination will take place within 60 days after May 15.

 Exemptions

A student will be exempted from the above requirements for:

Medical grounds if the student’s parent/guardian presents to the building principal a signed statement explaining the objection;

1. Religious grounds if the student’s parent/guardian presents to the building principal a completed Certificate of Religious Exemption;
2. Health examination or immunization requirements on medical grounds if a physician provides written verification;
3. Eye examination requirement if the student’s parent/guardian shows an undue burden or lack or access to a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches who provides eye examinations or a licensed optometrist; or
4. Dental examination requirement if the student’s parent/guardian shows an undue burden or a lack of access to a dentist.

Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:100, Health, Eye and, Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students