Ensure your student has the necessary immunizations to check all the boxes on this year’s back-to-school list! Here is a great back-to-school immunization guide.
Immunizations are a safe and effective way to protect children and adolescents from disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provide a recommended immunization schedule to keep age-appropriate vaccinations on track.
Keeping up with the vaccinations required for school attendance can be tricky, though, as not all vaccinations recommended by the AAP are required for school enrollment.
Here’s a look at what is required in Tennessee and Georgia schools:
Note: When entering a higher grade level, the doses listed are not in addition to the ones listed in the previous grade level. It lists the total amount required and what documentation you must show.
Tennessee
Kindergarten:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (five doses)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (two doses each)
- Polio (four doses)
- Hepatitis A (two doses)
- Hepatitis B (three doses)
- Varicella (two doses or a case of chickenpox)
Students entering 7th grade:
- Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) booster
Incoming college students:
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (two doses)
- Varicella (two doses or a case of chickenpox)
- Hepatitis B (for health science students only)
- Meningococcal (dependent on the institution)
Georgia
Kindergarten:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (four or five doses)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (two doses of combined vaccine OR two doses of measles vaccine, two doses of mumps vaccine and one dose of rubella vaccine)
- Polio (three or four doses)
- Hepatitis A (two doses)
- Hepatitis B (three doses)
- Varicella (two doses or a case of chickenpox)
Students entering 7th grade:
- Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) booster
- Meningococcal (one dose)
Students entering 11th grade:
- Meningococcal (second dose)
Incoming college students:
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (two doses of combined vaccine OR two doses of measles vaccine, two doses of mumps vaccine and one dose of rubella vaccine)
- Varicella (two doses or a case of chickenpox)
- Hepatitis B (three doses)
- Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) booster (within 10 years before enrollment)
- Meningococcal (dependent on the institution)
Have you scheduled a back-to-school checkup for your child or adolescent? Now’s the time.
Need to find a doctor for your child? Check out our list of Erlanger providers.
