Immunization Requirements
As part of the student registration process, parents/guardians must provide proof of immunizations as required by Virginia Code § 22.1-271.2 for attendance at a public school. A student may not be permitted to attend school until proof of immunizations is provided. Immunizations also help keep all students and staff healthy.
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More information about Commonwealth of Virginia requirements for school enrollment can be found on the Virginia Department of Health website.
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No student shall be admitted by a school unless at the time of admission:
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The student or their parent/guardians submits proof of immunization on the Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Health Form or an immunization record signed by a healthcare provider;
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The student is exempted from immunization for medical or religious reasons;
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The student is a homeless child or youth;
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The student is in foster care; or
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The student is a child of an active duty parent/guardian.
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Consult with your healthcare provider about immunizations or contact the Central Virginia Health Department to schedule an immunization appointment.
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In addition to the immunizations listed below, everyone six months old and older is recommended to have an annual flu vaccination.
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Students must also meet additional immunization requirements before beginning 7th grade and 12 grade.
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Students with a religious immunization exemption must complete and submit the Religious Exemption Form (PDF) to their school.
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Once your student has received their required school vaccinations, show proof of immunization to the student’s school. Acceptable documentation includes one of the following:
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A copy of your student's immunization record, signed/stamped by the healthcare provider, showing the date the immunization was given.
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A signed note from a healthcare provider on the provider’s letterhead stating the date the immunization was given.
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A healthcare provider’s signed statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption for a student who cannot receive the immunization due to medical reasons.
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A notarized Religious Exemption Form (PDF).
Required Immunizations for All Students
Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or Tdap) - A minimum of 4 properly space doses. A child must have at least one dose of DTaP or DTP vaccine on or after the fourth birthday. DT (Diphtheria, Tetanus) vaccine is required for children who are medically exempt from the pertussis containing vaccine (DTaP or DTP). Adult Td is required for children 7 years of age and older who do not meet the minimum requirements for tetanus and diphtheria.
Hepatitis B Vaccine - A complete series of 3 properly spaced doses of hepatitis B vaccine is required for all children. However, the FDA has approved a 2-dose schedule ONLY for adolescents 11-15 years of age AND ONLY when the Merck Brand (RECOMBIVAX HB) Adult Formulation Hepatitis B Vaccine is used. If the 2-dose schedule is used for adolescents 11-15 years of age it must be clearly documented on the school form.
Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine - A minimum of 2 measles, 2 mumps, and 1 rubella. (Most children receive 2 doses of each because the vaccine usually administered is the combination vaccine MMR). First dose must be administered at age 12 months or older. Second dose of vaccine must be administered prior to entering kindergarten but can be administered at any time after the minimum interval between dose 1 and dose 2.
Polio (IPV) Vaccine - A minimum of 4 doses of polio vaccine. One dose must be administered on or after the fourth birthday.
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine - All children born on and after January 1, 1997, shall be required to have one dose of chickenpox vaccine administered at age 12 months or older. Effective March 3, 2010, a second dose must be administered prior to entering kindergarten but can be administered at any time after the minimum interval between dose 1 and dose 2.
Hepatitis A (HAV) Vaccine – Effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of 2 doses of Hepatitis A vaccine. The first dose should be administered at age 12 months or older.
These immunizations are only required if a student starts school before they are 5 years old.
Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine - This vaccine is required ONLY for children up to 60 months of age. A primary series consists of either 2 or 3 doses (depending on the manufacturer). However, the child’s current age and not the number of prior doses received govern the number of doses required. Unvaccinated children between the ages of 15 and 60 months are only required to have one dose of vaccine.
Pneumococcal (PCV) Vaccine - This vaccine is required ONLY for children less than 60 months of age. One to four doses, dependent on age at first dose, of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine are required.
Additional Required Immunizations for Students in 7th Grade or Higher
Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (Tdap) - One booster dose of Tdap given at age seven or older.
Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine - One dose of Meningococcal Vaccine, MenACWY (MenQuadfi, Menveo), given at age 10 or older. This vaccine protects against meningitis.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine - Seventh-grade students are encouraged to have the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine. While the first dose of this two-dose vaccine must be administered before an adolescent’s 15th birthday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the first dose be administered at 11 or 12 years old. This vaccine is at the discretion of the parents/guardian but is recommended. BCPS does not require opt-out documentation for the HPV vaccine.
Additional Required Immunizations for Students in 12th Grade
Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine - One dose of Meningococcal Vaccine, MenACWY (MenQuadfi, Menveo), given at age 16 or older. This vaccine protects against meningitis.
Immunization Information
Virginia Department of Health (VDH) School Minimum Immunization Requirements (PDF)
Tdap Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (PDF)
VDH HPV Vaccine Facts (PDF)
VDH Meningococcal Vaccine for Preteens (PDF)
Vaccines for Preteens and Teens: What Parents Should Know (PDF)
VDH Rising 7th Grade Letter (PDF)
VDH Rising 12th Grade Letter (PDF)
Physical Exam Requirement
Virginia law also requires students registering for school for the first time in kindergarten through fifth grade to receive a comprehensive physical examination before beginning school.
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This physical examination must be within 12 months before the student starts school. For students beginning school at the start of the 2025-26 school year, the physical exam must be dated no earlier than August 13, 2024.
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School physical appointments can be scheduled with your healthcare provider, urgent care, or local health clinics.
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The completed school physical health form must be returned to your student’s school indicating that your student has received a school physical BEFORE your child can start school.
Forms
Religious Exemption Form (PDF)
School Entrance Health Form (PDF)
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