Every U.S. state, as well as many countries, require vaccinations to be had for incoming school students. While here in the United States the requirements vary slightly from state to state, there is a vaccination schedule that all states abide by. Here are the basic guidelines for vaccinations needed before Kindergarten:

Hepatitis B Vaccine-
Three doses before Kindergarten, suggested ages for these doses below:
-First dose at birth to 2 months
-Second dose at 1 to 4 months
-Third dose at 6 to 18 months

Hib Vaccine-
Four doses before Kindergarten, suggested ages for these doses below:
-First dose at 2 months
-Second dose at 4 months
-Third dose at 6 months
-Fourth dose at 12 to 15 months

Polio Vaccine-(Non Live Vaccine, or IPV)
Four doses before Kindergarten, suggested ages for these doses below:
-First dose at 2 months
-Second dose at 4 months
-Third dose at 6 to 18 months
-Fourth dose between ages four and six years

DTaP Vaccine-
Six doses now suggested:
-First dose at 2 months
-Second dose at 4 months
-Third dose at 6 months
-Fourth dose at 15 to 18 months
-Fifth dose at 4 to 6 years
-*DTaP is recommended at 11 years of age

Pneumococcal Vaccine-
Four doses are needed:
-First dose at 2 months
-Second dose at 4 months
-Third dose at 6 months
-Fourth dose at 12 to 18 months

MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)-
-First dose at 12 to 15 months
-Second dose between four and six years of age

Varicella Vaccine, or Chickenpox Vaccine-
Two doses will offer optimum coverage:
-First dose at 12 to 15 months
-Second dose at 4 to 6 years

Additional vaccines that are required by some states-

Rotavirus Vaccine-
Three doses are needed for this vaccine to be effective:
-First dose at 2 months
-Second dose at 4 months
-Third dose at 6 months

Hepatitis A Vaccine-
Two doses are required:
-First dose at 12 months
-Second dose at 18 months

Optional Vaccine, suggested for those children who have immune deficiencies-
Influenza Vaccine, or Flu Vaccine
-First dose at 6 months (requires a booster one month after initial vaccine)
-Annually until age five, then as needed yearly.

It is imperative that you contact your local school to obtain the exact vaccines that your child needs to enter Kindergarten. Your local health department or pediatrician will also be of assistance as well. What if you are not choosing to vaccinate? If you are not following the CDC Vaccination schedule you must figure out what paperwork you need to file with your school district to opt out of the vaccination requirements.

Here are some wonderful books to assist you in making decisions about vaccinations for your child: