Newly arrived immigrant students are entitled to immediate enrollment and attendance regardless of the availability of immunization records.
Per Public Health Law §2164(7)(a), schools may allow students from other states or countries to attend school for up to 30 calendar days while obtaining evidence of immunization.
Unlike refugees, asylum seekers do not undergo immunization assessment and administration as part of a federal intake process and may therefore require additional support in this area.
- LEAs are required under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to translate all documents necessary for school program access, including those pertaining to immunization.
- Recently arrived students in temporary housing should be referred to the district’s McKinney-Vento liaison, who must assist in arranging for the necessary immunizations.