Back-to-School Vaccination & Coverage Guide for Oregon and Washington
Everything parents and employers need to know about school immunization requirements, how health insurance covers vaccines, and where to get free or low-cost shots before the first bell rings.
Why This Guide Matters
As the new school year approaches, families across Oregon and Washington need to confirm their children meet state vaccination requirements — and that their health insurance covers the cost. This guide breaks down what each state requires, how coverage works, and what to do if you're uninsured or switching plans.
Know the Requirements
Understand exactly which vaccines Oregon and Washington require for school and childcare enrollment.
Verify Your Coverage
ACA-compliant plans cover required immunizations at no cost when using in-network providers.
Access Free Options
Uninsured or underinsured? The Vaccines for Children program provides free shots for eligible families.
Oregon School Vaccination Requirements
The Oregon Health Authority requires children attending public, private, parochial, or charter schools — as well as licensed childcare facilities — to be immunized against the diseases listed below. Parents must submit a Certificate of Immunization Status form.
K–12 (All Students)
DTaP/Td, Polio, Varicella, MMR, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B
Childcare / Preschool
DTaP, Polio, Varicella, MMR, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hib, PCV
7th Grade Entry
Additional Tdap booster required
Exemptions
Medical and non-medical (religious) exemptions allowed; exempt children may be excluded during outbreaks
Official resource: Oregon Health Authority — School & Childcare Immunizations
Washington School Vaccination Requirements
The Washington State Department of Health requires students in public and private schools, as well as children in licensed childcare, to meet immunization standards. Parents must submit a Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) form before the first day of attendance.
K–12 (All Students)
DTaP/Tdap, Polio, Varicella, MMR, Hepatitis B
Childcare / Preschool
DTaP, Polio, Varicella, MMR, Hepatitis B, Hib, PCV
6th Grade Entry
Tdap booster required before entry
Exemptions
Medical, religious, and philosophical or personal exemptions allowed; a healthcare provider must sign the exemption form
Official resource: Washington State Department of Health — School & Childcare Immunizations
How Health Insurance Covers Vaccinations
Under the Affordable Care Act, all ACA-compliant health plans — including employer-sponsored group plans, individual marketplace plans, and Medicaid — must cover CDC-recommended immunizations at zero cost-sharing when delivered by an in-network provider. This means no copay, no coinsurance, and no deductible for covered vaccines.
Employer-Sponsored Group Plans
If your employer offers health insurance, required school vaccines are covered at $0 in-network. Confirm your pediatrician is in-network before the visit.
Individual Marketplace Plans
Plans purchased through HealthCare.gov or state exchanges must cover required immunizations with no cost-sharing when using in-network providers.
Medicaid / CHIP
Oregon Health Plan (OHP) and Washington Apple Health cover all recommended childhood vaccines at no cost to the family.
Out-of-Network Caveat
If you visit an out-of-network provider, you may be billed. Always verify network status before scheduling a vaccination appointment.
Free Vaccines for Uninsured & Underinsured Families
If your child is uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, or American Indian/Alaska Native, the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides all recommended childhood vaccines at no cost. You may pay a small administration fee for the office visit, but the vaccine itself is free.
Oregon VFC Resources
Contact the Oregon Health Authority Immunization Program or your local county health department to find a VFC-enrolled provider near you.
Oregon VFC Program →Washington VFC Resources
The Washington State Department of Health maintains a list of VFC providers. Many local health departments and community clinics also offer free immunization clinics.
Washington VFC Program →What Employers Should Know
Employers offering group health plans in Oregon and Washington should confirm that their carrier's provider network includes pediatricians and family medicine providers who administer childhood immunizations. If your workforce includes parents of school-age children, clear communication about vaccine coverage can reduce confusion and improve plan satisfaction.
Confirm your group plan covers all CDC-recommended childhood immunizations at $0 in-network.
Verify that in-network pediatric providers are available in the counties where your employees live.
Communicate vaccine coverage details during open enrollment and onboarding.
If you offer an ICHRA or stipend model, ensure employees understand how to access covered immunizations.
Review whether your plan's pharmacy benefit covers vaccines at retail pharmacies as an alternative to clinic visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Your Coverage?
Whether you're a parent trying to confirm your plan covers required vaccines or an employer reviewing your group plan's pediatric network, PDX Benefits can help you find the answer.