Extension of Deadline for Immunizations and Health Assessments

Updated August 13, 2020

We are writing to make you aware of a new Executive Order issued August 11 by Governor Roy Cooper and a State Health Director Memo issued by State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Tilson that suspends but does not waive documentation deadlines for proof-of-immunization and health assessment requirements for school and child-care facilities. Students and families will receive additional time to address access to care disruptions they may have experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After the 30 days, children are to be excluded from school until the family provides documentation of requirements. All immunization requirements and health assessments are now due by September 30th, 2020.  Students will be granted a 30-day grace period which expires on October 30th, 2020.

Families are strongly encouraged to obtain the required immunizations for their children on a timely basis. Extending these deadlines by several weeks will allow more time to work with families, providers, local health departments and schools on facilitating access to needed immunizations and health assessments.

The Executive Order and State Health Director Memo will apply to students enrolled in public, private, or religious educational institutions, including child care facilities and K-12 schools as well as colleges and universities. The Order also extends the deadline for each child entering a North Carolina public school for the first time to submit proof of a health assessment.

Whether children are home-schooled, attend school in-person or by remote learning, they are required by state law to be immunized based on their age for certain vaccinations as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More information on North Carolina’s requirements for vaccines can be found on the NCDHHS website.

NCDHHS’s North Carolina Immunization Branch also offers comprehensive guidance on immunization recommendations as well as advice for families on navigating access issues during COVID-19.