Cooperative Living August 2019 - 22

Vaccines for Back to School
HealthyTake
A
ugust is immunization awareness month. Immunization helps prevent epidemics of severe diseases, such as smallpox, and
helps ensure children grow strong and stay healthy. The Virginia Department of Health has published these minimum
immunization requirements for children attending a public or private school, or day care or developmental center.
Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, Tdap): 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 6th grade.
Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine: This
vaccine is required only for children up to 60 months of age.
A primary series consists of either 2 or 3 doses (depending on
the manufacturer). However, the child's current age and not the
number of prior doses received governs the number of doses
required. Unvaccinated children between the ages of 15 months
and 60 months are only required to have one dose of vaccine.
Hepatitis B Vaccine: A complete series of 3 doses of hepatitis B
vaccine is required for all children. However, the FDA has
approved a 2-dose schedule for adolescents 11-15 years of age
provided that the Merck Brand (RECOMBIVAX HB) Adult
Formulation Hepatitis B Vaccine is used. If this 2-dose schedule
is used, it must be clearly documented on the school form.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV): A complete series
of 3 doses of HPV vaccine is required for females. The first
dose shall be administered before the child enters the 6th
grade. After they review educational materials approved by
the Board of Health, a parent or guardian may elect for their
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.
Pneumococcal (PCV) Vaccine: This vaccine is required only
for children less than 60 months of age. One to four doses,
dependent on age at first dose, of pneumococcal conjugate
vaccine are required.
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: All children shall be required
to have one dose of chickenpox vaccine administered at age 12
months or older. 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.
For more information, contact the Virginia Department of
Health's Division of Immunization at 1-800-568-1929 or
804-864-8055. 
Source: Virginia Department of Health, vdh.virginia.gov
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Cooperative Living August 2019

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