BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – The state of Georgia requires certain vaccinations for children starting Pre-K, Headstart, Kindergarten, Seventh, and Eleventh Grades.

Some of these vaccinations are for meningitis and TDAP. At this time, the COVID-19 vaccination is not required for children starting or returning to school by the state. The Georgia Department of Public Health is recommending all eligible teachers, staff, and students receive the COVID-19 vaccine, however.

Union County Health Department is taking appointments for children who still need to receive their vaccinations to be ready for school. The health department has set aside Tuesday, July 27, August 3, and August 10 for student vaccinations.

A health department representative will also be available for vaccinations at the middle and high school meet your teacher days.

Please contact your child’s Healthcare Provider or the Union County Health Department for more information or set up an appointment for your child to get their vaccines. The Health Department’s phone number is 706-745-6292.

Georgia Department of Public Health Immunization Program and CDC also offer an online quiz to guide parents in the vaccination process.

7th Grade Immunization Requirements

In Georgia, all children born on or after January 1, 2002, who are attending seventh grade, and children who are new entrants into a Georgia school in grades eight through twelve, must have received one dose of Tdap vaccine and one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine to fulfill immunization requirements.

11th Grade Immunization Requirements

Before starting the 2021-2022 school year, all students entering or transferring into 11th grade will need proof of a meningococcal booster shot (MCV4), unless their first dose was received on or after their 16th birthday. Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness that affects the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis can cause shock, coma, and death within hours of the first symptoms. To help protect your children and others from meningitis, Georgia law requires students to be vaccinated against this disease, unless the child has an exemption.

Religious Exemption

In the state of Georgia, if there is a religious objection to the vaccination of a child, a completed affidavit on Form 2208 is required. After completion of the affidavit, the parent or legal guardian must have the form filed with the school or childcare facility the child will be attending as legal documentation of exemption from the required immunizations mentioned above.

In the event an epidemic or threat of epidemic is determined, please refer to the DPH Rules and Regulations for Schools and Childcare Facilities, Chapter 511-2-2 document below for additional information.

Feature image courtesy of Department of Public Health.