Illinois Daycare Immunization Requirements by Age

To attend a child care center, preschool or pre-K program in Illinois, children need the vaccines that are right for their age under the Illinois Department of Public Health's minimum requirements. By age 2, that usually means DTaP, polio, Hib, pneumococcal, hepatitis B, MMR and chickenpox (varicella) vaccines. Centers also ask for a recent physical exam on the state form.

Here is what the 2026-27 requirements say, in plain language. Updated November 2026 and checked against the IDPH 2026-27 table. Always confirm your child's schedule with your pediatrician.

Required vaccines for child care in Illinois (2026-27)

• DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough): 3 doses by age 1 and a 4th dose by the 2nd birthday, with at least 6 months between the 3rd and 4th doses.
• Polio: 2 doses by age 1 and a 3rd dose by the 2nd birthday.
• Hib: doses that follow the national (ACIP) schedule for your child's age. Children 2 to 5 years old without a full series need at least one dose at 15 months or older.
• Pneumococcal (PCV): doses that follow the national schedule for your child's age. Children 2 to 5 without a primary series need one dose after age 2.
• Hepatitis B: 3 doses, properly spaced, with the last dose given at 24 weeks of age or later.
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR): 1 dose on or after the 1st birthday.
• Varicella (chickenpox): 1 dose on or after the 1st birthday. A doctor's record of past chickenpox or a lab test can count instead.

There is no meningococcal or Tdap requirement for child care. Those come later, in middle school. Source: Illinois Department of Public Health.

What this looks like by age

Babies under 1 year

Your baby should be up to date on the doses due for their age, following the recommended schedule. Most babies get vaccines at the 2, 4 and 6-month checkups. A baby starting daycare at 8 to 12 weeks may have had only the 2-month vaccines, and that is expected.

At 1 year

By the first birthday, Illinois expects 3 doses of DTaP and 2 doses of polio. MMR and chickenpox vaccines can be given starting at 12 months, often at the 12 to 15-month visit.

By 2 years

By the second birthday, children should have 4 doses of DTaP, 3 doses of polio, a completed hepatitis B series, MMR, chickenpox, and Hib and PCV doses that fit the national schedule.

Starting kindergarten

Kindergarten adds boosters: DTaP and polio doses given on or after the 4th birthday, and a second dose of MMR and chickenpox. See our guide to Illinois kindergarten health requirements for the full list.

If your child is still catching up

The IDPH rules say a child counts as in compliance if they have received every dose that can medically be given before they start, and a health care provider signs a statement showing when the remaining doses will be given. A missed catch-up appointment ends that compliance, so keep the dates and tell the center if anything changes.

Many children fall behind for ordinary reasons, like a missed checkup or an illness. Your pediatrician can set up a catch-up schedule. Tell the center right away and share the dates of upcoming appointments.

Vaccines that are recommended but not required

The yearly flu vaccine is recommended for children 6 months and older but is not on the Illinois child care requirements list. RSV protection for babies is also recommended in many cases. Ask your pediatrician what makes sense for your child, especially before their first winter in group care. Our articles on how often daycare kids get sick and RSV and daycare explain more.

Forms you will usually need

• A medical report or physical exam on the state form, signed by your child's doctor. Centers usually need one dated within six months before your child starts.
• An immunization record signed or printed by your doctor's office.
• A lead risk assessment or blood lead test, which Illinois requires for young children entering child care.
• Allergy or medication forms, if your child needs them.

Your pediatrician can usually print records from I-CARE, Illinois' state immunization registry. The same requirements apply to children moving to Illinois from another state.

Exemptions

Illinois allows medical exemptions signed by a health care provider when a vaccine is not safe for a child. Religious exemptions follow a specific state process with required forms. Rules can change, and child care programs must follow state requirements, so ask the center for its policy and the exact forms before your start date.

During an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease, children who are not fully vaccinated may be asked to stay home for their safety and others'.

Frequently asked questions

What vaccines are required for daycare in Illinois?

DTaP, polio, Hib, pneumococcal, hepatitis B, MMR and chickenpox, with the number of doses depending on your child's age.

Is the flu shot required for daycare in Illinois?

No, but it is recommended for children 6 months and older.

Can my baby start daycare before finishing vaccines?

Yes. Babies need the doses due for their age, not the full series.

Can my child start daycare while catching up on shots?

Usually yes, if they have had every dose that can be given now and your provider signs a statement with the dates for the rest. Keep those appointments.

Where can I get my child's vaccine records?

Ask your pediatrician's office. Records are usually kept in I-CARE, the state registry.

Health and safety at Children's Land

Children's Land follows Illinois health requirements at every location. Our directors can walk you through the forms you need before your child's first day. If a child becomes sick during the day, we isolate them from other children and call your emergency contact. Find a location or contact us with questions.

Related reading: Daycare Fever Rules: When Your Child Has to Stay Home.