It’s that time of year again! The new school year will be here before we know it. To make sure all children are prepared for a healthy, successful school year, we need your help. If your child is entering kindergarten or 7th grade, they may need immunizations! And, if your child takes medication or has a care plan at school, your school nurse will need certain forms. See below for details!
IMMUNIZATIONS
There are some new immunization requirements for children returning to school. If your child does not have all these immunizations, then they may not be able to start school on time. See the Virginia Department of Health Back-to-School website for more information.
- Students must have their 4th dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus & acellular pertussis (DTaP), 4th dose of polio, 2nd dose of Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR), and 2nd dose of varicella (VAR) for school entry. These requirements have not changed. All kindergartners and 1st graders must also show proof of at least one dose of Hepatitis A vaccine in order to start school.
- 7th grade. State law now requires all students entering seventh grade and eighth grade to present proof of receiving one booster of the Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, their first dose of the Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine, and their first dose of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Parents or guardians may elect for their child not to receive the HPV vaccine; please discuss this with your healthcare provider.
If your child needs updated immunizations, call your pediatrician as soon as possible for an immunization appointment. Please check out www.vdh.virginia.gov/richmond-city/childhood-immunization/ or call 804-205-3501 for help in getting your student up to date with their immunizations!!
MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION FORM
Does your child take medication at school, or have asthma, severe allergies, a seizure disorder, or diabetes? If so, then we need to work on getting the proper documentation and medical orders in place so they will receive appropriate care at school.
Please complete the Request for Authorization of Medication form. We will need an updated form each year. All medication and forms can be dropped off to the school nurse on Book Day, Monday, August 22.
