Get Children Vaccine Ready for School

In about a week, Georgia children will begin heading back to school. There are many things to remember for your child’s first week; clothes, supplies, lunches, and schedules. However, vaccines, which protect your child from certain diseases, should be among them. Children attending any childcare facility, pre-kindergarten, Head Start program, nursery or school are required to have Form 3231 on file. This includes public and private operations and all enterprises, educational programs and institutions involved in the care, supervision or instruction of children. Certificates are required for all children through grade 12.  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. Before starting the 2020-21 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. 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.