How do local school districts handle immunization requirements? See our list of laws, free clinics and policies for many D.C.-area school districts below.
D.C. PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The school district requires students have annual health physicals and oral health assessments, and they have immunizations up to date. See DCPS' immunization requirements online here (PDF).
From the DCPS website: "Unless you obtain a medical or religious exemption, D.C. law requires your child to receive immunizations against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, mumps, measles, rubella, polio, Haemophilus influenza type (Hib), hepatitis B, and varicella in order to attend school. Students in grades 6-12 are also required to receive a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine or submit an opt-out form, which is available from your school nurse."
VIRGINIA
Alexandria Public Schools:
A physical exam and the following immunizations are required:
- Negative Tuberculosis Risk Assessment, PPD Tuberculin Skin Test or negative Chest X-Ray, completed in the United States: Administered within 12 months prior to child’s first day of school. Required of all children entering ACPS.
- Hepatitis B: A complete series of three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine is required for all children.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Dtap, DTP or Tdap): A minimum of four doses, with one dose administered on or after the fourth birthday.
- Polio (OPV or IPV): A minimum of four doses, with one dose administered on or after the fourth birthday.
- Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR): All children must have at least two doses of Measles, two doses of Mumps and one dose of Rubella prior to kindergarten. The first dose must be administered at 12 months of age or older.
- Varicella (Chicken Pox): All children must have two doses of varicella or medical documentation of having the chicken pox disease.
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine Tdap: mandated for 6th grade entry
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): mandated for 6th-grade girls
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Arlington County Public Schools:
The school district offers free immunization clinics Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. See hours online here. No appointment is required.
A school official said the district generally has a very low number of students unable to attend the first day of school due to lack of immunizations.
Fairfax County Public Schools:
The county follows Virginia's requirements for school immunizations, which can be found online here.
Documentation of immunization is required for children entering kindergarten and sixth grade and for new students transferring into Fairfax County Public Schools.
The Fairfax County Health Department offers school required immunizations at it's five clinics free of charge. Check here for more information.
Prince William County Public Schools:
The school district doesn't hold clinics, but an official said they do a lot of social media messaging, particularly focusing on rising 6th graders, who will not be allowed to enroll without a Tdap vaccine. The official said the school district generally doesn't have a problem. See all requirements online here.
MARYLAND
Charles County Public Schools:
See all vaccination requirements for the school district online here.
An official said the school district changed the requirements a couple of years ago and had to take a lot initiative to get students immunized, but last year it was part of the routine for parents and they saw very few issues.
The school district does not have any immunization programs at this time.
Montgomery County Public Schools:
All rising 7th graders, as well as 8th and 9th graders new to the state, need Tdap and Meningococcal meningitis (MCV4) vaccines before the start of the school year.
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is holding free clinics throughout the summer for kids age 18 and younger. You can make an appointment by calling 240-777-3160. A parent or designated adult must be present at the vaccination clinic with a parent-signed consent form.
Prince George's County Public Schools:
Rising 7th graders will need the Tdap and Meningitis vaccines to start the school year, and kindergarten students will need two doses of the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine.
Find details on immunization clinics, including how to make an appointment, online here.
NBC Washington is awaiting more information from some other local school districts. This page will be updated as we receive it.
