Immunization Requirements

  • Immunization Requirement Updates - July 2021


    To align with current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, the 2020 General Assembly passed House Bill 1090 which amends the minimum vaccination requirements for attendance at a public or private elementary, middle or secondary school, child care centers, nursery schools, family home day care, or developmental center.
     
    This legislation becomes effective July 1, 2021, and amends the Code of Virginia § 32.1-46.A.4 to require: 

    • Two doses of properly spaced human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (for males and females). The first dose shall be administered before the child enters the seventh grade.

    • Two or three properly spaced doses of rotavirus vaccine, depending on the manufacturer, for children up to eight months of age.

    • Two properly spaced doses of hepatitis A vaccine (HAV). The first dose should be administered at the age of 12 months or older.

    • Two properly spaced doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). The first dose shall be administered prior to entry to the seventh grade. The second dose shall be administered prior to entry to the twelfth grade.  

    To assist schools with this effort, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has created a list of frequently asked questions to address any concerns parents or school staff may have. 

    Letter to Parents Regarding Immunization Requirement Changes July 2021 

    For more information on the new vaccine requirements, please see the document below.

    Supplemental Guidance for School Required Vaccines FAQs for Parents (English) (PDF)
    Supplemental Guidance for School Required Vaccines FAQs for Parents (Spanish) (PDF)


    In accordance with section § 32.1-46 of the Code of Virginia, the following immunizations are required for entrance into seventh grade:

    • Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (Tdap) - A booster dose is required for all rising 7th graders.

    • Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine - Effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of 2 doses of MenACWY vaccine. The first dose should be administered prior to entering 7th grade.

    • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine - Effective July 1, 2021, a complete series of 2 doses of HPV vaccine is required for students entering the 7th grade. The first dose shall be administered before the child enters the 7th grade. After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents or guardians' sole discretion, may elect the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

    For more information on the required vaccines for students entering the 7th grade, please see the document below:

    Letter from the Virginia Department of Health on required vaccines for students entering 7th grade (English) 

    Letter from the Virginia Department of Health on required vaccines for students entering 7th grade (Spanish) 

    Per section § 22.1-271.2 of the Code of Virginia, the following exceptions apply:

    No certificate of immunization is required under the following: a) the parent/legal guardian submits a completed and notarized Commonwealth of Virginia Certificate of Religious Exemption that the immunizations are contrary to religious tenants or practices (form available at school), or b) a medical exemption written statement is provided from a physician or licensed nurse practitioner that, in his/her professional judgment, all or part of the immunization requirements are contraindicated.

    At the time of enrollment, ALL immunizations must be as current and as up-to-date as possible. Enrollment and attendance can be delayed if compliance with immunization requirements is not met.


    In accordance with section § 32.1-46 of the Code of Virginia, the following immunization is required for entrance into twelfth grade:

    • Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine - Effective July 1, 2021, a booster dose of MenACWY vaccine at 16 years of age or older is required. 

    Per section § 22.1-271.2 of the Code of Virginia, the following exceptions apply:

    No certificate of immunization is required under the following: a) the parent/legal guardian submits a completed and notarized Commonwealth of Virginia Certificate of Religious Exemption that the immunizations are contrary to religious tenants or practices (form available at school), or b) a medical exemption written statement is provided from a physician or licensed nurse practitioner that, in his/her professional judgment, all or part of the immunization requirements are contraindicated.

    For more information on the required vaccines for students entering the 12th grade, please see the document below:

    Letter from the Virginia Department of Health on required vaccines for students entering 12th grade (English) 

    Letter from the Virginia Department of Health on required vaccines for students entering 12th grade (Spanish) 

    At the time of enrollment, ALL immunizations must be as current and as up-to-date as possible. Enrollment and attendance can be delayed if compliance with immunization requirements is not met.