dcps

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1200 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 442-5885
Fax: (202) 442-5026
TTY: 711

School Health Requirements

Health physicals and oral health assessments are required annually. Students also must be current with their immunizations to attend school. As outlined below, a series of medical forms should be turned in to the school as part of the enrollment process, and any updated forms throughout the school year should be submitted to the school nurse.

Health Forms

The following documents are part of the DCPS School Enrollment Package:

• Universal Health Certificate (required annually for all grades, documenting immunizations, tuberculosis assessment, lead screening and a physical exam). If you have questions about DC’s immunization requirements, please discuss them with your child’s physician. You can also contact DC Health’s Immunization Division at (202) 576-7130.
• Oral Health Assessment (required annually for all grades)

Immunizations

DC Law requires each student attending a DC public school or public charter school to present valid written immunization certification, documenting that he or she has been successfully immunized in accordance with current Department of Health immunization requirements, to his/her school before the first day of classes.

Unless you obtain a medical or religious exemption, DC law requires your child to receive immunizations against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, mumps, measles, rubella, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type (Hib), hepatitis B, and varicella in order to attend school. Students who are 11 years of age or older are also required to receive a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine or submit an opt-out form each school year, which is available on DC Health's website.

Immunization compliance is documented by submitting a completed Universal Health Certificate, religious exemption, and/or HPV Opt-Out to the school at the time of enrollment. Please note that medical exemptions must be documented by a physician on a student’s Universal Health Certificate or other doctor’s note. Religious exemptions must be requested through DC Health. More information can be found at dchealth.dc.gov/service/immunization-forms. For more information about immunization expectations, please visit OSSE’s website.