Superintendent's Memo #049-10
COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Department of Education
March 5, 2010
TO: Division Superintendents
FROM: Patricia I. Wright, Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT: Changes in Immunization Requirements for School Enrollment
Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, four new immunization requirements and/or changes will be in place for students attending Virginia public schools:
- A second dose of varicella vaccine is required before entering kindergarten.
- A second dose of mumps vaccine is required before entering kindergarten.
- Four (4) doses of polio vaccine are required, with one (1) dose being administered after the 4th birthday, for all new children enrolling in your schools (kindergarten-12th grade).
- Four (4) doses of DTaP vaccine are required, with one (1) dose being administered after the 4th birthday, for all new children enrolling in your schools (kindergarten-12th grade).
Parents are responsible for providing documentation that all required immunizations are up-to-date, completed, or that a medical or religious exemption has been obtained. Immunization requirements for a child to enroll or attend public school in Virginia are outlined in the Virginia Department of Health’s School & Day Care Minimum Immunization Requirements, attached.
A child whose immunizations are incomplete may be admitted conditionally, provided the parent or guardian has documentation at the time of enrollment indicating that the child has received at least one dose of the required immunizations and has a written schedule for completing the remaining doses within 90 calendar days of the opening of school.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Tia Campbell, school health specialist, at 804-786-8671 or via e-mail at Tia.Campbell@doe.virginia.gov.
PIW/tbc
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