Health Requirements for School Entry

Documentation Requirements: 2025-2026 School Year

The State of Virginia and Arlington Public Schools (APS) require documentation of the following health requirements for students enrolling for the first time and prior to entering rising grade levels as applicable

Physical Examination

A Comprehensive Physical Exam Report(PDF, 776KB) conducted by a licensed U.S. healthcare provider and completed no earlier than one year prior to date of school entry is required for all new students entering pre-school through 5th grade. 

A physical exam completed no earlier than one year prior to first day of kindergarten is required for ALL kindergarten students, even if a previous exam was submitted for entry into an APS pre-school program.

Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment/Screening

Documentation of a negative TB Risk Assessment(PDF, 450KB) completed no earlier than one year prior to date of school entry is required for ALL new APS students and for ALL kindergarten students, even if a previous assessment was completed for entry into an APS pre-school program. If assessment is positive for risk factors, documentation of a completed TB skin or blood test is required. If the TB blood or skin test is positive, a symptoms assessment is required prior to entry and a chest x-ray is required within 21 days after starting school.

Required Immunizations

Per the Code of Virginia, required vaccines for entry are determined in accordance with the harmonized schedule of the Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians and must meet specified spacing and age requirements to be considered valid. General vaccination requirements are shown below. For more specific details refer to the VDH Immunization Requirements webpage.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or Tdap): a minimum of 4 DTP/DTaP with one on/after the 4th birthday. A student 7 years or older not meeting the minimum requirements for tetanus and diphtheria should receive an appropriate number of Adult Td doses. A Tdap booster is required for all students prior to 7th grade entry or above.

Polio Vaccine: a minimum of 3 doses. One dose must be administered on or after the fourth birthday.

Hepatitis A 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. For the 25-26 School Year, students entering 5th grade and above are exempt from this requirement.

Hepatitis B Vaccine: a complete series of 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine is required for all students. Note - 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.

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: a minimum of 2 doses. The first dose must be administered at age 12 months or older and the second dose prior to kindergarten.

Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: a minimum of 2 doses. Most students receive the combination MMR vaccine – however, if the vaccines are administered individually, a minimum of 2 measles, 2 mumps, and 1 rubella are required. The first dose for each component (or for the combined MMR vaccine) must be administered at age 12 months or older and the second dose prior to kindergarten entry.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV): a complete series of 2 doses of HPV vaccine is required for students entering the 7th grade. The first dose shall be administered before the child enters the 7th grade. 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.

Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine: effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of 2 doses. At least one dose is required for all students entering 7th, 8th, 9th, or 11th grade. Additionally, a dose administered on/after the 16th birthday is required for all students entering 12th grade.

Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine: this vaccine is required ONLY for pre-K students less than 60 months of age. Number of doses required depends upon the age when first dose is received.

Pneumococcal (PCV) Vaccine: this vaccine is required ONLY for pre-K students less than 60 months of age. One to four doses, depending on age at first dose, are required. To obtain the health entry forms, please check the link below or contact your school's registrar or clinic staff. Below are documents listing the updated school health entry requirements for the current school year. Tuberculosis Screening Form Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Form.

• Tuberculosis Screening Form(PDF, 450KB)
• Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Form(PDF, 776KB)