by Darlene Shirley, RN

Q. Is it true that immunization requirements for school children have changed?

A. Yes. Georgia’s immunization requirements for children attending childcare and schools have been amended to include new and additional immunizations for specific age groups. These requirements apply to children already enrolled in school as well as children who are new to Georgia schools. The new Certificate of Immunization (form 3231 revised) will be required for registration if the student receives any of the new immunizations or has a medical exemption.

New Vaccines Required
• Pnuemococcal Conjugate Vaccine is required for all children less than five years of age who are attending childcare facilities, Head Start or Pre-K programs.
• Hepatitis A Vaccine or proof of serologic immunity (blood test) by laboratory is required for all children born after January 1, 2006 and who are attending childcare facilities, programs or schools.

Additional Doses Required
These additional doses are required for children entering kindergarten or sixth grade or any new student grade kindergarten - 12th grade:

• Mumps - Second dose is required or proof of serologic immunity by laboratory (second dose of measles vaccine and one dose of rubella is already required).
• Varicella (chicken pox) - Second dose is required or healthcare provider documentation of disease history or proof of serologic immunity by a laboratory.

Q. I’m not sure I want to immunize my child. Is it possible to get an exemption?

A. Since you are unsure, let me start by saying that disease prevention is the key to protecting the health of our community. Schools require vaccines to help prevent infectious diseases and save lives. Vaccines prevent disease in people who receive them and protect people who have not been immunized. Thanks to vaccines, many infectious diseases that were once common in our country are now under control, i.e. polio, measles, diphtheria, pertussis, rubella, mumps, tetanus and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

Also keep in mind that in the event of an outbreak of a communicable illness, children who have not been immunized would need to be excluded from school. If you do opt to forgo vaccinations, there are only two situations that warrant exemption from the state required immunizations for school attendance.

Medical Exemption
Some children cannot be immunized due to existing medical conditions. This situation requires a medical exemption from the child’s physician and is documented on the Georgia Certificate of Immunization form (3231 revised). This must be reviewed and issued annually by the child’s physician.

Parent/Guardian Objection
A small segment of the population refuses immunizations due to religious beliefs. If a parent or guardian objects to the immunization of their child because of conflict with their religion, then the parent or guardian must furnish a signed and notarized statement to the school. Unlike the medical exemption, this type of exemption does not expire.

This information is available on our website mcsdga.net, and the American Academy of Pediatrics website aap.org has great information about immunizations and other health issues. Please discuss your child’s immunization needs with your healthcare provider.

Darlene Shirley, RN, is the lead nurse for the Muscogee County School District.