EDUCATION
New Mexico school immunization requirements guide
Andrea MarvezLas Cruces Sun-News
July 27, 2026, 3:04 a.m. MT
- New Mexico health officials are reminding parents to update their children’s immunizations before school starts.
- State law requires students in public, private, and charter schools to meet vaccination requirements, with some exemptions available.
- Parents can check their child’s vaccination status with their doctor or through the state’s VaxView system.
- The New Mexico Department of Health is offering free “Got Shots” vaccination clinics for children through August 29.
As students prepare to head back to the classroom, New Mexico health officials are reminding parents to make sure their children’s immunizations are up to date before the first day of school
State law requires students attending public, private and charter schools to meet certain vaccination requirements unless they qualify for an approved exemption. The requirements are designed to help protect students and reduce the spread of vaccine preventable diseases in schools
Children entering kindergarten, as well as students enrolling in New Mexico schools for the first time, may need to provide documentation showing they have received the required immunizations before attending class
Parents who are unsure whether their child’s vaccinations are current can check with their pediatrician, healthcare provider or local public health office before the school year begins
The New Mexico Department of Health recommends scheduling appointments as early as possible because healthcare providers often experience an increase in demand before school starts
Officials also remind parents that staying current on vaccinations helps protect children who cannot be vaccinated because of certain medical conditions
“Vaccinations are one of several ways parents can help keep children healthy throughout the school year. I make sure my kids are up to date on their vaccines every year during their pediatric annual check. It gives me peace of mind knowing they’re protected. Vaccines, free outdoor play and healthy home cooked meals are the best ways to keep children’s immune systems strong, especially when they’re around so many other children at school,” Pediatrician and mother Ornella Spinali, said.She also recommends simple habits at home to help reduce the spread of illnesses, including leaving school shoes in the garage, changing clothes after school and encouraging children to rinse their mouths or brush their teeth when they return home. Those routines, she said, can help limit the spread of viruses, particularly during flu season.
Several immunization requirements are phased in by grade level. For the 2026-2027 school year, the Hepatitis A vaccine requirement has expanded to include students through fifth grade, while HPV, COVID 19 and influenza vaccines are not required for school attendance, although they continue to be strongly recommended, state health officials said
Families seeking a medical or religious exemption can access the state’s exemption forms and follow the application process established by the New Mexico Department of Health
New Mexico law allows only two types of exemptions for required school vaccinations: medical exemptions, which require certification from a licensed physician that immunization would endanger the child’s health, and religious exemptions. The state does not allow personal or philosophical exemptions
Parents can also verify their children’s immunization records through the New Mexico Statewide Immunization Information System, known as VaxView, which allows families to access and print official immunization records before the school year begins, according to the New Mexico Department of Health
Parents are encouraged to verify their children’s vaccination records before scheduling appointments because many required immunizations may already appear in the state’s registry, reducing the need to locate older paper records, health officials said
Las Cruces Public Schools encourages families to complete all required health documentation before the start of the school year to help avoid enrollment delays.The New Mexico Department of Health is also continuing its statewide “Got Shots” campaign, offering free back to school vaccination clinics for children from birth through age 18 through Aug. 29. The clinics are available regardless of insurance status and are intended to help families meet school immunization requirements before classes begin.
The state has also published its 2026-2027 school and daycare immunization requirements, along with exemption forms and guidance explaining eligibility, documentation requirements and the application process for families requesting medical or religious exemptions, according to the New Mexico Department of Health
Andrea Marvez is the public safety reporter for the Las Cruces Sun-News. Reach her by email at amarvezsarquis@gannett.com or by phone at 575-541-5406. For more local news follow her on Instagram at @andreamarvezand on Facebook at @AndreaMarvez
