The Code of Virginia requires the State Board of Health to perform an annual review of childhood immunization requirements specified in § 32.1-46, and make recommendations for revision. This statute requires that:

1) “the parent, guardian, or person standing in loco parentis shall cause such child to be immunized in accordance with the Immunization Schedule developed and published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).";

2) required immunizations for attendance at a public or private elementary, middle or secondary school, child care center, nursery school, family day care home or developmental center must be those set forth in the State Board of Health Regulations for the Immunization of School Children; and

3) the Board’s regulations shall require, at a minimum, certain specified vaccines.

Multiple factors influence decisions to require immunizations prior to school attendance including CDC/ACIP recommendations, fiscal considerations, feasibility of implementing the requirement, and any administrative burdens that are associated with the requirements. Of utmost importance is the protection of the health and well-being of children and adolescents against vaccine-preventable diseases, and the prevention of transmission of such conditions in a school setting.