Vaccine Information for Rising 12th Graders

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The MenACWY (Meningococcal) booster vaccine is required for all students attending school in Virginia prior to entering twelfth grade per Code of Virginia Section § 22.1-271.2   

Meningococcal Information:

• The MenACWY (Meningococcal) vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, an uncommon but serious disease caused by bacteria that can lead to severe, and even deadly infection.
• Teens and young adults are at increased risk, especially between the ages of 16 and 23.
• Even if your you/student has received a previous dose as an adolescent, teens need a dose at age 16 to provide protection during the ages when they are at highest risk, since protection decreases over time.

 Requirement details:

• You must provide proof of your/your student’s MenACWY (Meningococcal) booster vaccination given on or after the 16th birthday (or proof of medical or religious exemption) to the school clinic before the first day of 12th
• Documentation of MenACWY MUST be up to date for you/your student to attend in-person school or activities for School Year 2023-2024.

 Where Can You/Your Student Get the MenACWY Vaccination?

Talk to your school’s public health nurse to determine which of the following options for receiving the Tdap, MenACWY, and HPV vaccines is best for you/your student:

• You/your student’s primary healthcare provider
  • This required vaccine is typically covered by insurance plans. Make an appointment now to avoid the back-to-school rush!
• Arlington County Immunization Clinic at 2100 Washington Blvd
• Required vaccines such as MenACWY (Meningococcal) are provided at no charge; other recommended vaccines may require a fee (see website)
• Days and hours of operation can be found here: Immunization Clinic – Official Website of Arlington County (arlingtonva.us). An appointment is required; wait times vary
• Your high school health clinic
  • Your school’s health clinic will be providing school-based vaccination opportunities for MenACWY vaccine later this spring
  • There is no cost to receive these vaccines at the school clinic, but eligibility and insurance status will be assessed as part of the mandatory consent process
  • If vaccine is not able to be administered at the school for any reason, it remains the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that student complies with all school entry vaccine requirements

You can find additional information, including the current Virginia code and helpful FAQs at the Virginia Department of Health Website: School Requirements – Immunization (virginia.gov). Please reach out to your school’s public health nurse if you have any questions.