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• All 7th graders, who are 11 years of age, are required to have the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine prior to the first day of school. This is a state requirement. 

• It is suggested that all females, age 11, receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This is given in three doses.  

Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or Tdap); a minimum of 4 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). Adult Td is required for children 7 years of age and older who do not meet the minimum requirements for tetanus and diphtheria.  Effective July 1, 2006, a booster dose of Tdap vaccine is required for all children entering the 6th grade, if at least five years have passed since the last dose of tetanus-containing vaccine.

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 B Vaccine

A complete series of 3 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.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV)

Effective October 1, 2008, a complete series of 3 doses of HPV vaccine is required for females. The first dose shall be administered before the child enters the 6th 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.

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. The first dose must be administered at age 12 months or older.  The 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 two years of age. Two to four doses, dependent on age at first dose, of the pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine, are required.

Polio Vaccine - A minimum of 4 doses of polio vaccine

One dose must be administered on or after the fourth birthday.

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine

All susceptible children born on and after January 1, 1997, shall be required to have one dose of chickenpox vaccine administered at age 12 months or older. Effective March 3, 2010, 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.

*For further information, please call the Division of Immunization at 1-800-568-1929 (in-state only) or (804) 864-8055.