{"id":4324,"date":"2025-03-26T19:22:26","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T19:22:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/chesterfield\/?page_id=4324"},"modified":"2025-03-26T19:23:48","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T19:23:48","slug":"schedule-your-childs-essential-immunizations-today","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/chesterfield\/schedule-your-childs-essential-immunizations-today\/","title":{"rendered":"Schedule Your Child’s Essential Immunizations Today!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ensure Their Health for the Upcoming School Year<\/em><\/p>\n

Having your child vaccinated could mean safer, healthier communities. Families with 4, 11, and 16-year-old students should book an appointment for their child\u2019s immunizations to avoid delays when school starts in August.<\/p>\n

One of Virginia\u2019s required immunizations is to protect people against MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). As of February 27, 2025, 164 measles cases had been reported this year in other states<\/a>, 95 percent of which were unvaccinated. As of March 20, 2025, three measles cases have been reported in Maryland residents with potential exposures in Virginia<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Another required immunization is for meningitis. Virginia just concluded a meningitis outbreak<\/a> on February 25, 2025. New cases continue to emerge but remain below outbreak levels. LaWanda Dunn, RN, oversees nursing at the Virginia Department of Health\u2019s Chesterfield Health District<\/a> and works closely with school nursing leadership to ensure students have the required immunizations. The health district includes Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, and Powhatan. \u201cWe encourage all parents to have a conversation with a trusted medical provider and decide what is best for their children for school readiness.\u201d Dunn said.<\/p>\n

If someone does not have a trusted provider or health insurance, VDH has a list of providers<\/a> who accept Medicaid or provide services for the uninsured.<\/p>\n

What immunizations are state required?<\/strong>
\nThe Commonwealth of Virginia requires that all children be immunized against certain diseases for admission to a public school (ref. Code of Virginia 22.1-271.2<\/a>). Students who fail to comply with the required immunizations shall be excluded from school until they provide proof of an immunization schedule or waiver.<\/p>\n

Preschoolers will need these immunizations before starting kindergarten:<\/strong>
\nDTap
\nVaricella (Chicken Pox)
\nHep B
\nHep A
\nHaemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
\nMumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR)
\nPolio<\/p>\n

6th-grade students will need these immunizations before starting 7th grade:<\/strong>
\nTetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap)
\nMeningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
\nHuman papillomavirus (HPV)<\/p>\n

11th-grade students will need this immunization before starting 12th grade:<\/strong>
\nMeningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)<\/p>\n

Where are immunizations available?<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Contact your healthcare professional to schedule an appointment for immunizations.
\n\u2022 Urgent care clinics: check to make sure they have all required immunizations.
\n\u2022 Pharmacies: check to see if a prescription is required.
\n\u2022 Chesterfield County Health District offers immunizations by appointment only for children ages 18 and younger. To schedule an appointment, call Chesterfield at 804-748-1750, Colonial Heights at 804-520-9380, or Powhatan at 804-598-5680.
\n\u2022 Bring your child\u2019s immunization record and insurance card if applicable.
\n\u2022 When your child has received these immunizations, provide the records to your school nurse. For more information, visit vdh.virginia.gov\/chesterfield<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While you\u2019re at your healthcare provider, make sure your kids are screened for chronic conditions and obtain any sports physicals they may need. Don\u2019t forget that students who intend on playing sports next school year and have registered with the Virginia High School League need a sports physical form filled out by their healthcare provider after May 1 of this year. Visit vhsl.org<\/a> and click on Parents: VHSL Physical Form.<\/p>\n

If your child is diagnosed with asthma, you should work with your provider to develop an asthma action plan<\/a> and give a copy to the school nurse to keep on file.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ensure Their Health for the Upcoming School Year Having your child vaccinated could mean safer, healthier communities. Families with 4, 11, and 16-year-old students should book an appointment for their child\u2019s immunizations to avoid delays when school starts in August. One of Virginia\u2019s required immunizations is to protect people against MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). 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