The Commonwealth of Virginia and Arlington Public Schools (APS) require health documentation for students enrolling for the first time and before entering certain grade levels, as applicable. Required forms are available on our website or from your school nurse(PDF, 104KB).
The Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Health Form, completed by a licensed U.S. healthcare provider, is required.
New students entering preschool through grade 5
- The physical exam must be completed within one year before the date of school entry.
All kindergarten students
- A physical exam completed within one year before the first day of kindergarten is required, even if a physical exam was previously submitted for entry into an APS pre-school program.
All new APS students and all kindergarten students must submit documentation of a negative TB Risk Assessment(PDF, 478KB), completed within one year prior to school entry, even if an assessment was completed for entry into an APS pre-school program.
If the TB risk assessment indicates risk factors:
- Documentation of a TB skin or blood test is required.
- If the TB test result is positive:
- A symptom assessment is required before school entry.
- A chest x-ray must be completed within 21 days after starting school.
Under the Code of Virginia, students must provide documentary proof of age-appropriate immunizations. Students vaccinated according to the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, including all minimum age and interval requirements, are considered appropriately immunized.
General requirements are listed below. For more information, visit the VDH School Immunization Requirements webpage.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or Tdap)
- Minimum of 4 DTP/DTaP, with at least one dose on or after the 4th birthday.
- Students age 7 years or older who do not meet minimum tetanus and diphtheria requirements must receive an appropriate number of adult Td doses.
- A Tdap booster is required before entry into 7th grade.
- Polio
- Minimum of 3 doses.
- At least one dose on or after the 4th birthday.
- Hepatitis A
- Minimum of 2 doses beginning at 12 months of age.
- For the 2026-2027 school year, students entering 6th grade and above are exempt from this requirement.
- Hepatitis B
- A complete 3-dose series is required.
- A 2-dose schedule is allowed ONLY for adolescents ages 11-15 and ONLY when using the Merck adult formulation (RECOMBIVAX HB); this must be clearly documented on the school entrance form.
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Minimum of 2 doses.
- First dose at 12 months or older.
- Second dose before kindergarten.
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Minimum of 2 doses.
- Most students get the combination MMR vaccine. However, if given separately, 2 measles, 2 mumps, and 1 rubella are required.
- First dose at 12 months or older and the second dose before kindergarten.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- A complete 2-dose series is required for students entering 7th grade.
- Parents or guardians may opt out after reviewing approved educational materials.
- Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY)
- Minimum of 2 doses.
- At least one dose is required for all students entering 7th, 8th, 9th, or 11th grade.
- A dose given on or after the 16th birthday is required before 12th grade.
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib)
- Required ONLY for pre-K students younger than 60 months.
- Number of doses depends on age at first dose.
- Pneumococcal (PCV)
- Required ONLY for pre-K students younger than 60 months.
- One to four doses required, depending on age at first dose.