Prince William County Public Schools

The following new immunization requirements for kindergarten, seventh, and 12th grade students take effect on July 1, 2021, and will impact requirements for the coming 2021-22 school year:

• Changes regarding kindergarten school entry vaccination requirements: Before children enter kindergarten they now need two properly spaced doses of the hepatitis A vaccine (HAV). The first dose should be administered at age 12 months or older. The HAV vaccine requirement is an addition to the existing kindergarten vaccine requirements according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices vaccine schedule. Prior to the law going into effect, children entering kindergarten were not required to have the HAV vaccine.
  
  Please note: Rising first grade students and above will be considered "grandfathered" and will not be required to receive the HAV vaccine doses.
  
  
• Changes regarding school entry for seventh grade students: Children entering seventh grade are required to present proof of their first dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine; one booster of the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine (Tdap); and their first dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). All are required for both boys and girls before entering the seventh grade.
  
  Please note: After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parent's or guardian's sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.
  
  
• Changes regarding school entry for 12th-grade students: Children entering 12th-grade will need to have a booster dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY).

Visit the PWCS Student Services Immunization Requirements webpage for more information on immunization requirements for students in grades K-12 and how to obtain shots.

For additional information, view the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) State Superintendent's Memo 095-21, House Bill 1090 Childhood Vaccine Requirements Update (PDF) and the following attachments:

• MEMO 095-21, Attachment A: Supplemental Guidance for School Required Vaccines FAQs for Parents (English) (Word)
• MEMO 095-21, Attachment B: Supplemental Guidance for School Required Vaccines FAQs for Parents (Spanish) (Word)