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Back to School Vaccines

Preparing for the coming school year requires a lot of planning. From purchasing school supplies to organizing transportation. And making an appointment with your pediatrician for immunizations is another must before the school year begins. The Code of Virginia requires proof of vaccination for children entering daycare, private school, or public school before enrolling. And with other required vaccines needed at various ages, it’s hard to keep it all straight. Check out the vaccination schedules below for a better sense of what to expect. Keep in mind, that this does not mean each vaccine is provided in one shot. It’s common that multiple vaccines are provided in one combination shot. Continue reading to learn more about the minimum requirements for certain required vaccines.

For any additional questions about vaccines, speak to your pediatrician.

Vaccination Schedule Birth – 6 Years Old

 

Vaccination Schedule 7 – 18 Years Old

 

Download birth-18yo vaccination schedule

Minimum Requirement Vaccines

The Virginia Department of Health has a list of minimum requirements for immunizations. Expand each vaccine below to learn more about it’s minimum requirement.

Swim in Supervised Areas

Most public pools have lifeguards on duty. However, at places like beaches, some areas are not as supervised as others. Opt for the better-supervised areas. In large bodies of water, more supervision is needed. With at-home pools, make sure children are not swimming alone and there is an adult present to actively watch during swimming times.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or Tdap)

A minimum of 4 properly spaced 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. Effective A booster dose of the Tdap vaccine is required for all children entering the 7th grade.

Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib)

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.

Hepatitis A (HAV)

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.

Hepatitis B

A complete series of 3 properly spaced doses of hepatitis B vaccine are 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.

 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

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 parent’s or guardian’s sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR)

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). The first dose must be administered at age 12 months or older. The 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.

Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY)

Effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of 2 doses of MenACWY vaccine. The first dose should be administered prior to entering 7th grade. The final dose should be administered prior to entering 12th grade.

Pneumococcal (PCV)

This vaccine is required ONLY for children less than 60 months of age. One to four doses, dependent on age at first dose, of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, are required.

Polio (IPV)

A minimum of 4 doses of polio vaccine. One dose must be administered on or after the fourth birthday. 

Rotavirus

This vaccine is required ONLY for children less than 8 months of age. Effective July 1, 2021, 2 or 3 doses of Rotavirus Vaccine (dependent upon the manufacturer) is required.

Varicella (Chickenpox)

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.

Download Minimum vaccine requirements

Sources: Virginia Department of Health