School Checklist: Vaccinations for Kindergarten, 6th Grade, Transfers

Right now, families in the Northern Virginia area are still enjoying the hot, hazy, lazy days of summer. But soon, parents everywhere will be gearing up to send their kids back to school.

That means heading to a big-box store with lists in hand looking for pencils, notebooks, rulers, glue and other things on your school supply list.  

But add another thing to your to-do list: Proof of vaccinations.

According to Fairfax County, a certificate of immunization is required for children entering kindergarten, 6th grade and any new students transferring to a Fairfax County school. 

In 2006, because of an increase in cases of whooping cough nation-wide, Virginia's General Assembly passed a law requiring rising 6th-graders to have an immunization.

Virginia has seen cases of whooping cough increase to 363 in 2005 from 108 in 1996, according to the state health department.

Required school immunizations are available from your health provider or at area Fairfax County Health Department clinics. School-required immunizations at county health department clinics are free-of-charge. The county notes that you should make an appointment before going for immunizations and plan to bring any immunization records with you.

The Mount Vernon District Office is located at 8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 233. Fairfax Connector 171 stops nearby. For an appointment, call (703) 704-5203.

Clinic hours are:

• Monday:  7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Tuesday:  8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Wednesday:  8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Thursday:  1 - 4 p.m.
• Friday:  7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The clinic is also offering extended hours for back-to-school vaccinations:

• Friday, Sept. 2: 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 6: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The state of Virginia requires that all children attending public or private school and day care be vaccinated.

Here is the list of immunizations you'll need, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

School and Day Care Minimum Immunization Requirements

Parents must present documented proof of adequate age-appropriate immunization with the prescribed number of doses of vaccine in order to attend a public or private elementary, middle or secondary school, child care center, nursery school, family day care home or developmental center in Virginia, according to the department.

Parents should check with their school or daycare for forms and information on when the forms should be handed in.

Vaccines must be administered in accordance with the schedule of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians and must be administered within spacing and age requirements (available HERE).

Children vaccinated in accordance with either the current schedule or the catch-up schedules (including meeting all minimum age and interval requirements) are considered to be appropriately immunized for school attendance, according to the department.

1. Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or Tdap). A minimum of 4 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 July 1, 2006, a booster dose of Tdap vaccine is required for all children entering the 6th grade, if at least five years have passed since the last dose of tetanus-containing vaccine.

2. Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine - This vaccine is required ONLY for children up to 60 months of age (5 years old). 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.

3. Hepatitis B Vaccine - A complete series of 3 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.

3. Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) - Effective Oct. 1, 2008, a complete series of 3 doses of HPV vaccine is required for females. 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 the parent’s or guardian’s sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine. 

4. 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.

5. Pneumococcal (PCV) Vaccine- This vaccine is required ONLY for children less than two years of age. Two to four doses, dependent on age at first dose, of pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine are required.

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

7. Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine - All susceptible 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.

For further information, call the Division of Immunization at (800) 568-1929 (in state only) or (804) 864-8055.