Botetourt County Public Schools

To complete your child's enrollment, parents/guardians and their health care provider (doctor) should complete the Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Health Form, providing documentation of the following enrollment requirements:

Physical Examination Report:

State law (Ref. Code of Virginia § 22.1-270) requires that your child receives a comprehensive physical examination and is immunized in the United States before entering public kindergarten or elementary school (grades 1-5). The physical examination must be dated within one year prior to the date of entry into kindergarten.

Students currently participating in a Botetourt County Public Schools preschool program must provide updated proof of immunizations and a NEW physical examination prior to entering kindergarten, even if these documents were provided before entering preschool.

Virginia School Entrance Health Form

Immunization Records:

The immunization record should document the month, day, and year each vaccination was administered. The following vaccinations are required according to the Code of Virginia:

1. Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or Tdap): A minimum of four (4) properly spaced doses, with one dose administered on or after the fourth birthday. A booster dose of the Tdap vaccine is required for all children entering the 7th grade.
2. Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine: Effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of two doses of MenACWY vaccine is required. The first dose should be administered prior to entering 7th grade. The final dose should be administered prior to entering 12th grade.
3. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Effective July 1, 2021, a complete series of two doses of HPV vaccine is required for students entering the 7th grade. The first dose shall be administered before the child enters the 7th grade. After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at their sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.
4. Hepatitis B Vaccine: A complete series of three (3) properly spaced doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine is required for all children.
5. Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: A minimum of two (2) doses of Measles, two (2) doses of Mumps, and one (1) dose of Rubella is required. The first dose must be administered at 12 months of age or older. The second dose of the vaccine must be administered prior to entering kindergarten.
6. Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine: This vaccine is required ONLY for children up to age 5 years of age.
7. Pneumococcal (PCV) Vaccine: This vaccine is required ONLY for children up to age 5 years of age.
8. Polio (OPV or IPV): A minimum of four (4) doses of polio vaccine is required, with one dose administered on or after the fourth birthday.
9. Varicella (Chicken Pox) Vaccine: All children must have two (2) doses of varicella vaccine or documentary proof of having had the chickenpox disease.
10. Hepatitis A (HAV) Vaccine: Effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of two doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine is required.
11. Negative Tuberculosis Risk Assessment: This assessment is completed as part of the health assessment on the Physical Examination Report by the healthcare provider.

Virginia School Immunization Requirements

Evidence of Immunization

Evidence acceptable for proof of required immunizations must include the month, day, and year each dosage was administered, on forms developed by or approved by the State Department of Health. Students for whom dates cannot be provided must be referred to the local health department or their private healthcare provider to update their records before entering school.

Conditional Enrollment

A student may be enrolled for a period of 90 school days contingent upon the student having received at least one dose of each required vaccine and possessing a plan, from a physician or local health department, to complete immunizations within the 90-day window. An exception applies for the second dose of measles (rubeola) vaccine, which must be administered as required by the State Board of Health.

Exemptions

1. When a parent or guardian objects based on religious beliefs and provides the principal with a notarized written statement. The required form is the Virginia Certificate of Religious Exemption (PDF).  Per Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) policy, religious exemptions do not transfer from another state. 
2. When a physician provides a statement indicating that immunization would be detrimental to the child’s health due to a medical condition.

Homeless Students

If a student is a homeless child or youth as defined in VA. Code §22.1-3 and:

1. does not have documentary proof of necessary immunizations or has incomplete immunizations, and
2. is not exempted from immunization,

Botetourt County Public Schools will immediately admit the student and refer them to the BCPS homeless liaison, who will assist in obtaining the documentary proof or completion of immunizations. 

If you wish to inquire about religious exemptions to the medical requirements or for more information, contact the school nurse at your assigned school.