Back-to-School Immunization Guide

Check all the boxes on this year’s back-to-school list by making sure your student has the immunizations they need!

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 you must show documentation for.

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 the 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 the chickenpox)
• Hepatitis B (for health science students only)
• Meningococcal (dependent on 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 the 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 the chickenpox)
• Hepatitis B (three doses)

• Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) booster (within 10 years prior to enrollment)

• Meningococcal (dependent on institution)

Have you scheduled a back-to-school checkup for your child or adolescent? Now’s the time.

Need to find a doctor? Check out our list of Erlanger providers.