School Health

The 2007 General Assembly passed legislation that requires the Virginia Department of Health to provide parents/guardians of rising sixth-grade girls with information on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that girls 11-12 years old receive the vaccine. In 2011, the CDC provided additional recommendation that boys 11-12 years old also receive the HPV Vaccine.

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.
> Virginia Department of Health School Requirements