Health Guidelines
NYC Medical Requirements for New School Entrants
IPS Health Guidelines for 2022-2023 School Year
IPS Health Guidelines are subject to change based on recommendations from the New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Medical Forms
2022-2023 School Year New York State Immunization Requirements
Click here to download a medical form (Child & Adolescent Health Exam Form.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How often do I need to submit documentation of a physical exam?
The NYC Department of Health requires all children to submit documentation of a current physical exam on an annual basis. All forms need to be signed and dated by your physician.
2) Is there a different form for camp and school?
No, it is the same form. For example, if you submit a form for summer camp with a June date, you do not need to submit any updates for school or camp until the following June.
3) Does every child need to submit documentation of a lead test with results?
Only students in NYC Day Care are required to submit documentation for a lead test. It is no longer required for preschoolers. It is however still recommended as lead poisoning can lead to serious health problems.
4) Can international students submit medical records from another country?
Yes, however a translation is requested if the records are not in English. Please be advised that not all countries have the same requirements, so you may need to provide additional information.
5) My child’s immunization records are incomplete.
Immunization requirements are dictated by the New York State Department of Health, found here. If your child’s immunization records are incomplete, have your pediatrician submit a signed note stating when the remaining immunizations are scheduled. If there is a medical reason why immunizations are not complete, we need a letter from your physician explaining the situation. Medical exemption forms are available upon request.
6) Please explain vision, hearing & dental screenings.
Children are not required to see a vision, hearing specialist, or dentist to fulfill NYC requirements. If your pediatrician addresses vision, hearing, and dental on the main form with something simple such as “seems fine for age” or “grossly normal”, that is sufficient. If your child goes to the dentist or sees a specialist, a note from the doctor/dentist with the date of the visit is requested; we will add this to your child’s medical records.
7) What do I do if my child has food allergies?
Please alert your Location Director about any food allergies or dietary restrictions your child may have. If your child has a serious allergy that requires an Epi-Pen or medical intervention, please request the “Written Medical Consent Form,” which must be filled out and signed by both the parents and physician.
8) Are flu shots now required?
Yes, the NYC Department of Health now requires annual flu shots. Flu shots must be administered between July and December each school year.
9) Do we need to use the blank health form IPS provides?
As long as we get all the required information, any form can be used. Many NYC pediatricians prefer to use their own forms.
10) Where do I send the completed forms?
You can email your information to: ipsoffice@ipsnyc.org
You may also hand-deliver them at school. However, you do not need to send us the original hard copies of the forms. We recommend that you keep those for your records.
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Medical Requirements for School Entrance
All students entering a New York City School must provide a complete physical examination and all required immunizations:
1). Physical examinations and screenings: All children shall receive a complete, age-appropriate medical examination. For children 2 years and older, an annual exam is required, including but not limited to:
- physical exam,
- development assessment and history,
- nutrition/allergy assessment,
- and if indicated, screening tests for dental, vision, and hearing.
2) Immunization Records: All children shall me immunized, unless there is a medical reason. Immunization requirements are mandated by law. The 2022-2023 NYS Immunization Requirements can be found here.
3) Records: IPS will maintain medical records for all children and staff.
NOTE: All forms need to be SIGNED and DATED by your physician and submitted to IPS.