South Dakota Childcare Licensing

South Dakota Childcare Immunization Requirements (2026)

Children enrolled in a licensed South Dakota childcare center must show proof of age-appropriate immunization. South Dakota requires documentation for 11 vaccine series, with limited medical and legally permitted exemptions.

Licensing Agency

South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS), Child Care Services — Office of Licensing and Accreditation (OLA), 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 →

Last updated: April 2026

Researched by the TotReady Research Team

South Dakota Immunization Requirements: The Specifics

South Dakota childcare licensing requires age-appropriate REQUIRED (per SDCL 13-28-7.1 / SD Dept. of Health, applies to early childhood programs): Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) — 4+ doses immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

South Dakota childcare licensing requires age-appropriate REQUIRED: Poliovirus (IPV) — 4+ doses immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

South Dakota childcare licensing requires age-appropriate REQUIRED: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) — 2 doses immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

South Dakota childcare licensing requires age-appropriate REQUIRED: Varicella (chickenpox) — 2 doses immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

South Dakota childcare licensing requires age-appropriate REQUIRED (older entry, age 11/6th grade): Tdap booster and Meningococcal (MCV4) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

South Dakota childcare licensing requires age-appropriate RECOMMENDED, not required: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

South Dakota childcare licensing requires age-appropriate RECOMMENDED, not required: Hepatitis B immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

South Dakota childcare licensing requires age-appropriate RECOMMENDED, not required: Hepatitis A immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

South Dakota childcare licensing requires age-appropriate RECOMMENDED, not required: Pneumococcal (PCV) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

South Dakota childcare licensing requires age-appropriate RECOMMENDED, not required: Influenza (annual), HPV immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

South Dakota childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Exemptions: medical contraindication and religious/conscientious objection (Immunization Affidavit, form OLA-106) per ARSD 67:42:17:22 immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

South Dakota Immunization Requirements Checklist

  • REQUIRED (per SDCL 13-28-7.1 / SD Dept. of Health, applies to early childhood programs): Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) — 4+ doses
  • REQUIRED: Poliovirus (IPV) — 4+ doses
  • REQUIRED: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) — 2 doses
  • REQUIRED: Varicella (chickenpox) — 2 doses
  • REQUIRED (older entry, age 11/6th grade): Tdap booster and Meningococcal (MCV4)
  • RECOMMENDED, not required: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
  • RECOMMENDED, not required: Hepatitis B
  • RECOMMENDED, not required: Hepatitis A
  • RECOMMENDED, not required: Pneumococcal (PCV)
  • RECOMMENDED, not required: Influenza (annual), HPV
  • Exemptions: medical contraindication and religious/conscientious objection (Immunization Affidavit, form OLA-106) per ARSD 67:42:17:22

Go Deeper

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South Dakota Immunization Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions

Which vaccines does South Dakota require for childcare enrollment?

South Dakota requires age-appropriate immunization records for: REQUIRED (per SDCL 13-28-7.1 / SD Dept. of Health, applies to early childhood programs): Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) — 4+ doses, REQUIRED: Poliovirus (IPV) — 4+ doses, REQUIRED: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) — 2 doses, REQUIRED: Varicella (chickenpox) — 2 doses, REQUIRED (older entry, age 11/6th grade): Tdap booster and Meningococcal (MCV4), RECOMMENDED, not required: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), RECOMMENDED, not required: Hepatitis B, RECOMMENDED, not required: Hepatitis A, RECOMMENDED, not required: Pneumococcal (PCV), RECOMMENDED, not required: Influenza (annual), HPV, Exemptions: medical contraindication and religious/conscientious objection (Immunization Affidavit, form OLA-106) per ARSD 67:42:17:22.

Are immunization exemptions allowed in South Dakota?

South Dakota permits documented medical exemptions and, where state law allows, certain non-medical exemptions. Confirm the current exemption rules with the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS), Child Care Services — Office of Licensing and Accreditation (OLA), 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501.

When must immunization records be on file in South Dakota?

South Dakota requires up-to-date immunization documentation at enrollment, with records kept current in each child's file thereafter.

South Dakota childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published South Dakota administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS), Child Care Services — Office of Licensing and Accreditation (OLA), 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.