Dear Parents/Guardians of Rising 7th Graders:
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 7th grader.
The following vaccines are required for children entering 7th grade in Virginia:
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY)
Please schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider early to beat the rush. During the visit, talk with your child's healthcare provider about the vaccines your child needs for school. The HPV vaccine prevents six types of cancer. As a parent or guardian, you have the right to decide if your child gets the HPV vaccine. Please review the important information attached to this letter.
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/vvfc/locatevvfcprovider/. 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 his 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 https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/backtoschool/.
For more information about school vaccinations in Virginia, please visit http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/reguirements/. If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Mendes at (804) 514-2649 or andrea.mendes@vdh.virginia. gov.
Sincerely,
Dr. Cameron Webb
State Health Commissioner
