A medical exemption must be made by a licensed physician indicating the medical condition that precludes the child from receiving the required immunizations. Three or more doses administered at appropriate intervals with the last dose being a booster received on or after the child's fourth birthday. Four or more doses administered at the appropriate intervals with the last dose being a booster received on or after the child's fourth birthday. Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine with the first two shots at least four weeks apart and the third shot recommended for five months later. For example, if a child received the first shot on Jan. 1, the second shot should be given one month later, on February 1, and the third and final shot would be recommended to be given between May 1 and July 1.
Vaccines are available statewide through local health departments and public clinics.
In addition to immunizations and a physical exam, state law requires children 6 months through 6 years of age who are entering a licensed day care facility, preschool or kindergarten to be screened or assessed for lead poisoning. Children living in areas determined by the Department to be high-risk for lead poisoning must be screened using a blood lead test. Those who live in low-risk areas must be evaluated individually using a lead risk assessment questionnaire developed by the Department. The Illinois State Board of Education does not exclude children from school if they have not been tested for lead poisoning.