How do local school districts handle immunization requirements? See our list of laws, free clinics and policies for many D.C.-area school districts below.
D.C. PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The school district requires students have annual health physicals and oral health assessments, and they have immunizations up to date. See DCPS' immunization requirements online here (PDF).
From the DCPS website: "Unless you obtain a medical or religious exemption, D.C. law requires your child to receive immunizations against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, mumps, measles, rubella, polio, Haemophilus influenza type (Hib), hepatitis B, and varicella in order to attend school. Students in grades 6-12 are also required to receive a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine or submit an opt-out form, which is available from your school nurse."
VIRGINIA
Alexandria Public Schools:
Rising 6th graders must have the Tdap immunization before starting school, and the HPV and Meningococcal vaccines are recommended at the same time.
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The school district is in the process of sending individual letters to all families whose children are not fully immunized, a school district spokesperson said.
Arlington County Public Schools:
The school district offers free immunization clinics Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Friday. See hours online here. No appointment is required.
A school official said the district generally has a very low number of students unable to attend the first day of school due to lack of immunizations.
Fairfax County Public Schools:
Find all immunization requirements and immunization clinics online here.
Prince William County Public Schools:
The school district doesn't hold clinics, but an official said they do a lot of social media messaging, particularly focusing on rising 6th graders, who will not be allowed to enroll without a Tdap vaccine. The official said the school district generally doesn't have a problem.
MARYLAND
Charles County Public Schools:
See all vaccination requirements for the school district online here.
An official said the school district changed the requirements a couple of years ago and had to take a lot initiative to get students immunized, but last year it was part of the routine for parents and they saw very few issues.
The school district does not have any immunization programs at this time.
Montgomery County Public Schools:
All rising 7th graders, as well as 8th and 9th graders new to the state, need Tdap and Meningococcal meningitis (MCV4) vaccines before the start of the school year.
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is holding free clinics throughout the summer for kids age 18 and younger. You can make an appointment by calling 240-777-3160. A parent or designated adult must be present at the vaccination clinic with a parent-signed consent form.
Prince George's County Public Schools:
Rising 7th graders will need the Tdap and Meningitis vaccines to start the school year, and kindergarten students will need two doses of the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine.
Find details on immunization clinics, including how to make an appointment, online here.
NBC Washington is awaiting more information from some other local school districts. This page will be updated as we receive it.
