Dear Parents/Guardians of Rising Kindergarteners:
As the Virginia State Health Commissioner, students and their health are a priority to me. School vaccinations are a way to keep students healthy now and into their future. This letter provides information about school vaccines for your rising Kindergartener.
Please schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider early to beat the rush. School physicals and dental visits help prepare your child for kindergarten. During the visit, talk with your child's healthcare provider about the vaccines your child needs for school. Routine vaccinations keep children healthy, in school, and ready to learn. Vaccines support all children's health by reducing the spread of disease.
The following vaccines are required for children entering kindergarten in Virginia:
DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis)
MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
Hepatitis A
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Hepatitis B
Polio
If your child does not have health insurance, they may be eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. You can find a Vaccines for Children (VFC) provider at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/vvfcllocatevvfcprovider/. These providers can give free vaccines to persons who qualify and are not able to pay. If your child does not have a healthcare provider, you can contact your local health department at https://www.vdh.virginia. gov/health-department-locator/.
Remember to get a copy of your child's vaccine record to provide to bis or her school. A copy of your child's vaccine record may be available online at https://myirmobile.com/.
Please check with your child's school for other enrollment requirements. School enrollment information and a checklist are available at www.vdh.virginia.gov/backtoschool/.
For more information about school vaccinations in Virginia, please visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements/. If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Mendes at andrea.mendes@vdh.virginia.gov or (804) 514-2649 or Joanna Pitts, at Joanna.pitts@vdh.virginia.gov or (804) 864-7590.
Dr. Cameron Webb
State Health Commissioner
