General Registration Immunizations

Immunizations needed for enrollment in kindergarten through grade 12

As part of the 5-step student registration process outlined in General Registration Requirements (Grades 1 through 12) or Kindergarten Registration, parents or legal guardians will need to provide proof of immunizations as required by Virginia law for attendance at a public school.

Preschool Immunization Requirements

Required Immunizations for Early Childhood Special Education, PreK, and Early Head Start

Healthy Back to School

Resources from the Virginia Department of Health to keep your children healthy in school.

The Fairfax County Health Department offers school-required immunizations. This page includes a summary of the new vaccination requirements by grade.
School Immunization Flyer 2023-24

The Fairfax County Health Department Urges Parents to Update Their Child’s School Immunizations to Meet New Requirements Immediately
Learn More

Required Immunizations for Kindergarten through 12th Grade

Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or Tdap). A minimum of 4 properly space 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. A booster dose of Tdap vaccine is required for all children entering the 7th grade.

Hepatitis A (HAV) Vaccine. Effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of 2 doses of Hepatitis A vaccine. The first dose should be administered at age 12 months or older. 

Hepatitis B (HBV) Vaccine. A complete series of 3 properly spaced 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.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine. Effective July 1, 2021, a complete series of 2 doses of HPV vaccine is required for students entering the 7th grade. The first dose shall be administered before the child enters the 7th grade. After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents or guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

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. 

Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY/MCV4) Vaccine. Effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of 2 doses of MenACWY vaccine. The first dose should be administered prior to entering 7th grade. The final dose should be administered prior to entering 12th grade.

Polio (IPV) Vaccine. A minimum of 4 doses of polio vaccine. One dose must be administered on or after the fourth birthday. See supplemental guidance document for additional information.

Varicella (VAR/Chickenpox) Vaccine. All 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.

Looking for vaccine requirements by grade level?

View information on grade level dosing requirements from the Virginia Department of Health.

Immunizations must be administered in accordance with the harmonized 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.

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

For further information, please call the Virginia Department of Health Division of Immunization at 1-800-568-1929 (in-state only) or 1-804-864-8055.

For the latest information on state requirements visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements.

Additional Resources

School Entrance Health Form

Form used to collect medical data on new FCPS students.
School Entrance Health Form

Religious Exemption Form

Form used by students entering into FCPS to request religious exemption from vaccine requirements.
Religious Exemption Form

General Registration Documents

All the documents needed for student registration

Kindergarten Registration

Age 5 on or by September 30
Register

General Registration Requirements

Grades 1st through 12th
Register