Preschool Immunizations
To register a student in an FCPS early childhood program, appropriate immunizations are required by Virginia law.
Required Immunizations for Early Childhood Special Education, PreK, and Early Head Start
Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or Tdap). A minimum of 4 properly space doses. A child must have at least one dose of DTaP or DTP vaccine on or after the fourth birthday. DT (Diphtheria, Tetanus) vaccine is required for children who are medically exempt from the pertussis containing vaccine (DTaP or DTP).
Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine. This vaccine is required ONLY for children up to 60 months of age. A primary series consists of either 2 or 3 doses (depending on the manufacturer). However, the child’s current age and not the number of prior doses received govern the number of doses required. Unvaccinated children between the ages of 15 and 60 months are only required to have one dose of vaccine.
Hepatitis A (HAV) Vaccine. Effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of 2 doses of Hepatitis A vaccine. The first dose should be administered at age 12 months or older.
Hepatitis B Vaccine. A complete series of 3 properly spaced doses of hepatitis B vaccine is required for all children. However, the FDA has approved a 2-dose schedule ONLY for adolescents 11-15 years of age AND ONLY when the Merck Brand (RECOMBIVAX HB) Adult Formulation Hepatitis B Vaccine is used. If the 2-dose schedule is used for adolescents 11-15 years of age it must be clearly documented on the school form.
Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine. A minimum of 2 measles, 2 mumps, and 1 rubella. (Most children receive 2 doses of each because the vaccine usually administered is the combination vaccine MMR). First dose must be administered at age 12 months or older. Second dose of vaccine must be administered prior to entering kindergarten but can be administered at any time after the minimum interval between dose 1 and dose 2.
Pneumococcal (PCV) Vaccine. This vaccine is required ONLY for children less than 60 months of age. One to four doses, dependent on age at first dose, of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine are required.
Polio (IPV) Vaccine. A minimum of 4 doses of polio vaccine. One dose must be administered on or after the fourth birthday. See supplemental guidance document for additional information.
Rotavirus Vaccine. This vaccine is required ONLY for children less than 8 months of age. Effective July 1, 2021, 2 or 3 doses of Rotavirus Vaccine (dependent upon the manufacturer) is required.
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine. A minimum of 2 doses of chickenpox vaccine. One dose must be administered at age 12 months or older and a second dose must be administered prior to entering kindergarten but can be administered at any time after the minimum interval between dose 1 and dose 2.
Immunizations must be administered in accordance with the harmonized schedule of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians and must be administered within spacing and age requirements.
Children immunized in accordance with either the current harmonized schedule or the harmonized catch-up schedules (including meeting all minimum age and interval requirements) are considered to be appropriately immunized for school attendance.
For further information, please call the Virginia Department of Health Division of Immunization at 1-800-568-1929 (in-state only) or 1-804-864-8055.
For the latest information on state requirements visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my child compliant for immunizations?
You can check your child’s immunization compliance by accessing ParentVUE.
What is ‘acceptable immunization documentation’?
- An updated immunization record showing that the child has received the required immunizations. This record must include the dates the immunizations were received including the month, day, and year.
- A written statement from a health care provider specifying all administered immunizations.
- A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
- A notarized Religious Exemption Form objecting the administration of immunizations on the grounds this conflicts with his or her religious tenets or practices.
How can I access my child's immunization record?
- Families may request their child's immunization from their primary health care provider. Some may charge for copies.
- Families may access their child’s immunization record through the Virginia Immunization Information System at no cost by submitting the VDH Immunization Record Request Form
How can I access required immunizations in Fairfax County?
- Families are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their primary healthcare provider to get their child’s required immunizations.
- Families may also schedule an immunization appointment with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) at one of their five district offices. Please call 703-246-7100 to schedule an appointment.
- Joseph Willard Health Center
3750 Blenheim Boulevard Fairfax, VA 22030 - Annandale District Office
7611 Little River Turnpike Annandale, VA, 22003 - Springfield District Office
8136 Old Keene Mill Road, Suite A100 Springfield, VA, 22152 - Mount Vernon District Office
8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 233 Alexandria, VA, 22309 - Herndon-Reston District Office
1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Suite 100 Reston, VA, 20190
- Joseph Willard Health Center
- The Inova Cares Pediatric Health Fair is available on August 17, 9am - 1pm at their Falls Church location. Appointments are available for Medicaid and uninsured children. Please call 703-698-2550 to schedule an appointment. No walk-ins allowed.
- Additional healthcare resources are available in Fairfax County for families who do not have a healthcare provider:
Where can I learn more about immunizations?
- Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Back to School Resources
Request your child’s immunization record reflecting vaccines given by a Virginia provider at no cost. - Childhood & Required School Immunizations
Learn more about the Virginia Childhood Vaccination Schedule to ensure that your child received their immunizations at the recommended ages. - Code of Virginia
- VDH School and Day Care Minimum Immunization Requirements
- VDH Guide to Required Vaccinations by Age
- VDH Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Information
- Center for Disease Control (CDC) 2021 Vaccination Recommendation for Children (birth - 6 years of age)
- CDC Catch-up Vaccination Schedule for Children (4 months - 18 years of age)