Chloe Ramirez
Virginia requires all children entering school to show proof of vaccination. Children who don't meet the minimum requirements may not be able to start their education on time. However, Virginia law permits students to be exempt from immunizations if they conflict with their religion, or if a licensed physician states that the vaccine would be detrimental to the child's health. Parents are allowed sole discretion over whether their children receive the HPV vaccine. Vaccinations are available through healthcare providers, clinics, pharmacies, and schools.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination Requirements | Virginia requires all children entering school to show proof of vaccination. |
| Minimum Requirements | Children must meet minimum requirements to start their education on time. |
| Immunization Records | Parents must provide an updated immunization record showing the dates of vaccination. |
| Religious Exemption | Students can be exempt from vaccination requirements due to religious beliefs. |
| Medical Exemption | Students can be exempt from vaccination requirements with a statement from a licensed physician. |
| HPV Vaccine | Parents have sole discretion over the HPV vaccination for their children. |
| COVID-19 Vaccine | COVID-19 vaccination is not required for school but is recommended for protection. |
| Flu Vaccine | The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older. |
| Whooping Cough Vaccine | Pregnant women should get the Tdap vaccine during their third trimester to prevent whooping cough in infants. |
| School Immunizations | Vaccines are available through health departments, physicians, pharmacies, and clinics. |
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What You'll Learn
Religious and medical exemptions
In Virginia, parents or guardians must ensure their children receive vaccinations early in life when they are most vulnerable. Vaccinations are available through healthcare providers or Fairfax County Health Department clinics. The Virginia Department of Health website provides a list of required school immunizations and related forms/documents.
However, Virginia law provides for both religious and medical exemptions from mandatory immunization requirements for school attendance. Here are the details:
Religious Exemptions:
Parents or guardians who object to immunizations on religious grounds may obtain a Certificate of Religious Exemption (Form CRE 1) from a local health department or online. Form CRE 1 is an affidavit stating that the administration of immunizing agents conflicts with the student's religious tenets or practices. The notarized certificate must be submitted to the admitting official of the school to which the student is seeking admission. It's important to note that this religious exemption should not be confused with a religious exemption from compulsory school attendance.
Medical Exemptions:
For a medical exemption, written certification from a physician, registered nurse, or local health department is required. This certification must specify that one or more of the required immunizations may be detrimental to the student's health due to their medical condition or circumstances. It should also indicate the nature and probable duration of the condition contraindicating immunization. This exemption applies to both students in traditional schools and those who are home-schooled.
Additional Considerations:
It's worth noting that even with these exemptions, during an outbreak, potential epidemic, or epidemic of a vaccine-preventable disease, the commissioner has the authority to exclude unvaccinated children from school to prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, demonstrating existing immunity to a disease through serological testing or a reliable history of the disease (e.g., chickenpox) can also exempt a student from specific immunization requirements.
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Vaccination requirements for school entry
In Virginia, parents are required to provide documentation of their children's immunizations for school attendance. This includes proof of vaccination and a comprehensive physical examination within 12 months before entering school. Vaccines are available through private physicians, pharmacies, clinics, and the Fairfax County Health Department, which offers school-required immunizations free of charge by appointment only.
The specific vaccinations required for school entry in Virginia include:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or Tdap): A minimum of four properly spaced doses. A child must receive at least one dose on or after their fourth birthday.
- Hepatitis A (HAV) Vaccine: Effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of two doses is required.
- Meningococcal Vaccine: Required for school entry, with documentation needed by August.
- Tdap and HPV vaccines: While parents have sole discretion over the HPV vaccine, a Tdap booster is required for all children entering the 7th grade.
It is important to note that Virginia allows for religious and medical exemptions from vaccination requirements. For religious exemptions, parents must fill out a form stating that immunizations conflict with their religious tenets or practices. Medical exemptions require a written statement from a licensed physician indicating that the required immunizations would be detrimental to the child's health. However, exemptions may not be recognized during health emergencies or epidemics.
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Recommended vaccines by age
In Virginia, children entering school are required to show proof of vaccination. Parents can check the Virginia Department of Health website for a list of required school immunizations and related forms/documents. Vaccines are available through private physicians, pharmacies, and clinics, as well as through the Fairfax County Health Department clinics, free of charge.
Birth to 6 years old:
- Rotavirus vaccine (RV5) given in three doses at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, or RV1 given in two doses at 2 and 4 months.
- DtaP vaccine: five doses at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years. This vaccine prevents diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
- HiB vaccine: four doses at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months.
7–11 years old:
Meningococcal vaccine: recommended at 11 years of age.
12–18 years old:
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine: proven to reduce the chances of several types of cancer.
- COVID-19 vaccine: while not required for school, it will provide protection from severe illness.
Additionally, the CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.
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Where to get vaccinated
Virginia requires all children entering school to show proof of vaccination. Children who don't meet the minimum requirements may not be able to start their education on time. Vaccinations are available through your health care provider, Fairfax County Health Department clinics, or private physicians, pharmacies, and clinics. The Fairfax County Health Department offers school-required immunizations at Health Department clinics free of charge by appointment only. Please call ahead to make an appointment at 703-246-7100.
Inova Cares Clinic for Families serves as a medical home for patients of all ages who qualify for Medicaid, FAMIS, Inova’s Financial Assistance Program, or are uninsured. HealthWorks for Northern Virginia and Neighborhood Health provide healthcare, including vaccinations, for children, families, and individuals, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
In addition, Virginia Beach City Public Schools notified families and staff of a reported case of measles at Trantwood Elementary in 2025. All unvaccinated students and staff were directed to not attend school through Sept. 16, per guidance from VDH.
West Virginia, a neighbouring state, has one of the best kindergarten vaccination rates in the US. It is one of only five states that will exempt children from vaccines only for medical reasons.
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How to submit immunization documents
In Virginia, all children entering school are required to show proof of vaccination. If children do not meet the minimum requirements, they may not be able to start their education on time. However, students are allowed to be exempt from these requirements if they conflict with their religious beliefs, or if a licensed physician states that the vaccine would be detrimental to the student's health. In the case of the HPV vaccine, parents have sole discretion over whether their children receive it.
Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to submit immunization documents:
- Collect your immunization records: You may already have met some requirements during your childhood. Contact your parents or guardians, the healthcare providers who administered the vaccinations, or your military service to find these records. If you were vaccinated in Virginia, you can request a copy of your immunization record using the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS). For vaccinations received in another state, contact the state's department of health.
- Review the requirements: If you cannot locate your past vaccination records, refer to the requirements for each immunization for accepted documentation.
- Visit a healthcare professional: A healthcare professional will review your records, ensure you meet the requirements, and transcribe, complete, and sign the Certificate of Immunization. They must complete certain sections of the certificate, and if applicable, they must fill out the Assessment and Tuberculosis Testing section.
- Submit the Certificate of Immunization and supporting documents: You can submit these by mail or by uploading them to the online patient portal. Do not send your records via fax or email. Print your forms clearly and legibly, and keep a copy of your documents for your own records.
- Check your immunization status: After submitting your documentation, allow time for processing, and then check your status on the patient portal. Your status should be listed as "Verified". If you have not met a requirement, the vaccine will be listed under "Missing Immunization".
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Frequently asked questions
Virginia requires all children entering school to show proof of vaccination. However, students are permitted to be exempt from immunization requirements on the basis of religious beliefs or a licensed physician's statement that the vaccine would be detrimental to the child's health.
Children who don't meet the minimum vaccination requirements may not be able to start their education on time.
You can request your child's immunization record from their primary health care provider or access it through the Virginia Immunization Information System at no cost.
