.png)
Immunizations and Health Requirements
Virginia state law requires that students be fully immunized against DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus), Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, and Varicella in order to attend school. A certificate from a licensed physician stating that the student has been successfully immunized against communicable diseases as required by state law at the time of registration. Students MUST meet all the immunization requirements before beginning school. The statute does include exemptions from this law for medical and religious reasons. Your school nurse can answer any questions regarding your child’s immunization status. Virginia school entrance laws:
DPT - A minimum of four doses, with at least one dose on or after the child's fourth birthday.
Polio - A minimum of four doses, with at least one dose on or after the child's fourth birthday.
Measles (Rubeola) - Two doses of the Measles (Rubeola) vaccine for all students enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12. The first dose must have been at age 12 months or older; the second dose no sooner than one month after the first dose.
Rubella - A minimum of one dose of each administered at 12 months or older. This is usually given in combination with Measles (Rubeola) as the MMR vaccine.
Mumps - Two doses of the Mumps vaccine before entering kindergarten. This is usually administered in combination with the Measles (Rubeola) as the MMR vaccine.
Hepatitis A - (Effective July 1, 2021, required for all incoming KG, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade students) A minimum of two properly spaced doses. The first dose must be administered at 12 months or older.
Hepatitis B - A series of three vaccines for all students born on or after January 1, 1994. The third dose must not have been given before 24 weeks of age.
Varicella (Chicken Pox) - A minimum of two doses before entering kindergarten (effective March 3, 2010) and for all new enrolling first through twelfth grade students unless a history of chickenpox disease or lab tests are provided by a licensed physician or licensed nurse practitioner. The first chickenpox dose must have been administered after 12 months of age.
Tdap (Booster) - for all rising 7th graders and new enrolling eight-12th graders (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis).
MenACWY – (Effective July 1, 2021). The first dose MenACWY is administered prior to 7th grade after age 11 years. Rising 12th graders will be required to have one dose, after age 16. New enrollments: all students 7th, 8th , 9th, 10th and 11th must have one dose. All newly enrolled 12th graders must have one dose after age 16.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) – Effective, October 1, 2008, a complete series of 3 doses of HPV vaccine is required for females and males. The first dose shall be administered before the child enters the 6th grade. After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at their discretion, may elect for the student not to receive the HPV vaccine.
All new students AND KINDERGARTNERS are required to provide a report of a comprehensive physical examination, signed by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner, performed within twelve months of the initial enrollment date. Virginia State Form MCH-213-G.
