All students entering seventh grade must have the Tdap immunization

Virginia law requires that all students entering seventh grade have a tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) booster immunization prior to the first day of seventh grade. Additionally, all new students enrolling into grades seven through twelve must also have a Tdap booster.

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 a Td and Pertussis as separate entries, but the student must have the Pertussis vaccine listed. Parents should call their doctor or local health department if they have questions. Shots may be obtained from private doctors, military clinics or the health department.

Free children's immunization clinics are available via walk-in at the Alexandria Health Department at 4480 King Street. Immunization clinic hours are:

• Monday, 8 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. 
• Wednesday, 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. 
• Thursday, 1 to 3:30 p.m. (Note TB skin testing is NOT performed on Thursdays)
• Friday, 8 to 11 a.m.

Documentation that your child has received this immunization should be brought to the school nurse prior to the last day of school in June. ACPS tracks compliance with this state requirement. Students who do not meet the requirement by the first day of school in September will not be given a schedule and will be excluded from school until proof of the booster shot is given to the nurse.

The following vaccines are also recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), other medical societies, and CDC, though not required for school:

• Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine
  One dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine helps protect against some of the bacteria that can cause meningococcal disease, including sepsis and meningitis.
• HPV Vaccine
  Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines help protect both girls and boys from HPV infection and cancers caused by HPV.

These vaccines are also available at the Alexandria Health Department.