Look ahead to help get your rising seventh grader or 12th grade student ready for the fall. There are some vaccines that students must have before entering seventh and 12th grades. Last year, many people had challenges in late summer getting appointments in time for the start of school. Your student may not be able to start school on time if they do not have required immunizations.
Virginia students are required to get these vaccines before entering seventh grade:
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap): The Tdap vaccine is required by law for all students entering seventh grade.
- Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY): Students are required to have one dose of MenACWY vaccine before entering seventh grade.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): The HPV vaccine is required by law for students entering seventh grade. After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent/guardian may elect for their student not to receive the HPV vaccine with no additional paperwork required by Chesterfield County Public Schools. Ask your healthcare provider about the benefits of the HPV vaccine.
Virginia students must meet the following vaccine requirement before entering 12th grade:
- A minimum of two doses of meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine are required by law before students enter 12th grade. The first dose should be administered before entering seventh grade. The final dose should be administered before entering 12th grade (given on or after the 16th birthday). Meningococcal vaccines help protect against the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease.
You can fulfill these vaccine requirements now and mark this item off the back-to-school to-do list. Make a wellness appointment with your healthcare provider. Additionally, the Chesterfield County Health Department offers immunizations by appointment only for children age 18 and under. To schedule an appointment, call 804-768-7454.