Immunization Requirements for Entry into School

Health Records must be submitted on a Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Health Form (English | Español)

See the Virginia Department of Health School Minimum Immunization Requirements.

All NEW Students (Pre-K to 12th)

*Immunization Records
**Tuberculosis (TB) test or screening done within 12 months prior to starting school.

Only New Elementary Students (Pre-K to 5th)

Physical Examination done within 12 months prior to starting school.
Proof of two properly spaced doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine (HAV) are required for currently enrolled students entering kindergarten. The first dose should be administered at age 12 months or older.

Rising 7th Graders

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap) booster
First dose of Meningococcal (MenACWY)
***First dose of HPV vaccine

Rising 12th Graders

Meningococcal (MenACWY) booster (given after age 16)

*The immunization record should list the month, day and year of immunization for the minimum requirements for entry to school.

**Original Tuberculosis test or screening documentation must be submitted and:

be signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, or local health department official.
include verification of a negative risk assessment or the results of a tuberculin skin test (TST) done within the prior 12 months.

***Parents may “opt out” of the HPV requirement by simply not getting the vaccine. No letter or certification of “opt out” status is required.

Where Can I Take My Student to Receive Vaccines or Get a Physical?

Talk to your school’s School Health Clinic Staff to determine which of the following options for completing the school entry health requirements are best for your student:

Your student’s primary healthcare provider
- Required vaccines and school physicals are typically covered by insurance plans. Make an appointment now to avoid the back-to-school rush!
Arlington County Immunization Clinic at 2100 Washington Blv
- Required vaccines are provided at no cost; other recommended vaccines may include a fee (see website)
- An appointment is required and wait times may vary.
- Days and hours of operation can be found here: Immunization Clinic – Official Website of Arlington County (arlingtonva.us)

Your student’s middle or high school health clinic
- For the 7th and 12th grade vaccine requirements of Tdap, Meningococcal, and HPV, your health clinic will be providing school-based vaccination opportunities in Spring of 2023.
- There is no cost to receive these vaccines at the school clinic, but eligibility and insurance status will be assessed as part of the mandatory consent process.
- If vaccine is not able to be administered at the school for any reason, it remains the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that student complies with all school entry vaccine requirements.
Please reach out to your School Health Clinic Staff if you have additional questions.

Other Health Information

SPORTS – Students planning to participate in high school sports must complete a VHSL physical form for high school athletic eligibility and APS Athletic Participation Agreement.

MEDICATIONS – If your child will need medications or special procedures during school, visit Arlington County School Health for additional forms (Medication Authorization Form, Severe Allergy Care Plan, etc.).

QUESTIONS – Please reach out to your School Health Clinic Staff for any questions about requirements for individual students or for support in making an appointment for a student to receive required vaccines through Arlington County’s Immunization Clinic: Immunization Clinic – Official Website of Arlington County Virginia Government (arlingtonva.us).