RD335 - 2012 Annual Review of Statutory Childhood Immunization Requirements


Executive Summary:
Section 32.1-46 F of the Code of Virginia requires the State Board of Health to perform an annual review of the childhood immunization requirements specified in § 32.1-46, and to make recommendations for revision. This statute requires that parents, guardians and persons standing in loco parentis shall cause their children to be immunized in accordance with the immunization schedule developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule). This section also states that vaccines required for school and day care attendance are those contained in the State Board of Health's Regulations for the Immunization of School Children (Regulations) and specifies those vaccines, at a minimum, that must be required by the Regulations.

Since 2011, there have been a number of changes in the ACIP recommended immunization schedule. Based on these changes, and in order to maintain consistency with the ACIP immunization schedule, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends certain revisions to the vaccines required for school and day care attendance. Should the General Assembly amend § 32.1-46 of the Code of Virginia, the State Board of Health would need to make corresponding amendments to the Regulations.