All Students Entering Sixth-Grade Must Have Tdap Immunization

Virginia law requires that all students entering sixth-grade (and all students new to ACPS entering grades seven, eight and nine) have a tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) booster immunization prior to entry into school if at least five years have passed since the last shot.

Parents of current fifth-graders should review their children's immunization records to determine if the student needs to get the Tdap immunization. This shot may be listed as T, Td, Dtap, and /or Tdap. Parents should call their doctor or local health department if they have questions. They should take their child's immunization record to their health care provider. Shots may be obtained from private doctors, military clinics, or the health department.

Free children's immunization clinics are held at the Alexandria Health Department, 4480 King Street, on Mondays from 1 to 6 p.m. and Tuesdays, from 1 to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. No appointment is necessary. The Tdap vaccine also is available at the Alexandria Adolescent Health Center, 3701 West Braddock Road, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. No appointment is necessary.

Documentation that your student has received this immunization should be brought to the school nurse prior to the last day of school in June. We will be tracking compliance with this state requirement, and students who do not meet the requirement by the first day of school in September will be excluded from school.

For more information, please contact ACPS Nurse Coordinator Robin Wallin at 703-824-6650 or .