To align with recommendations of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the General Assembly passed House Bill 1090 amending Virginia’s immunization requirements for attending public and private schools, child care centers, nursery schools, family home day care centers, and developmental centers.

The legislation amended the Code of Virginia to require the following new immunizations and booster shots:

• Two doses of properly spaced human papillomavirus vaccine for all children. The first dose is required before the child enters the seventh grade.

• Two or three properly spaced doses of rotavirus vaccine, depending on the manufacturer, for children up to eight months of age.

• Two properly spaced doses of hepatitis A vaccine. The first dose must be administered at age 12 months or older. The new hepatitis A vaccine requirement is an addition to the existing kindergarten immunization requirements.

• Two properly spaced doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine. The first is required prior to entry to the seventh grade. The second dose is required prior to entry to the twelfth grade.

Please visit the VDH website here to learn more about required immunizations.

The vaccines should be given based on this schedule recommended by the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians.

The Virginia Department of Health has created a list of frequently asked questions to help parents understand the new immunization requirements. The FAQ is available in both English and Spanish.

The VDH and VDOE have created a Healthy Back-to-School webpage to help you and your children prepare them for returning to school. The site provides resources about immunizations, COVID-19, well-child visits, routine oral care and mental health. There is also a "Back to School Checklist" to help parents track and organize back-to-school tasks.

At this time, the COVID-19 vaccine is not required for entrance into Pre-K-12 schools.