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It may be too early to buy pencils and paper before school starts this fall, but now is a great time for families of school-age children to schedule required immunizations and health screening appointments at their doctor’s office or the Troup County Health Department.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to make appointments between now and mid-July to help ease the back-to-school rush in late July and August. Some vaccinations require multiple doses spread several weeks apart, so scheduling earlier ensures a child can receive all required doses before school begins and before all appointments are full.

‘First-Time’ Students

When enrolling in a Georgia public or private school for the first time, state law requires all students (from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade) must submit a Georgia Immunization Certificate (Form 3231) showing they have received the appropriate immunizations for their age (or submit a religious exemption form 2208).

• All students entering a Georgia public school for the first time also must submit the Georgia Certificate of Vision, Hearing, Dental, and Nutrition Screening (Form 3300) to their school.
• Parents of “first-time” students also will need to provide the school with proof of their child’s birth date. The health department can provide a certified copy of a child’s birth certificate (for those born in any Georgia county), or it can be ordered online at troupgavitals.permitium.com/rod.

Seventh-Grade Requirements

• Students entering seventh grade—and students new to Georgia in grades eight through 12—must submit an updated immunization certificate showing proof of one dose of Tdap vaccine and one dose of meningococcal vaccine (or submit religious exemption Form 2208).

Eleventh-Grade Requirements

• Students entering 11th grade (and those new to Georgia entering 12th grade) need to receive a second dose of meningococcal vaccine (unless their first dose was received on or after their 16th birthday) and submit an updated form as well.In addition to required immunizations, the HPV vaccine also is recommended for both girls and boys at ages 11–12 to protect against cancers and other diseases caused by human papillomavirus. For more information, visit cdc.gov/hpv.

Visit dph.georgia.gov/immunizations for a list of required school immunizations and health screenings in Georgia. A child’s doctor or health department can help guide families in getting the right vaccines for their child.

“Getting your child vaccinated protects not just your own child, but also their classmates, teachers, and family members who might be more vulnerable to serious illness,” said Donna Barton, RN, BSN, the health department’s county nurse manager. “When we keep vaccination rates high in our schools, we create a protective bubble around our entire community. It’s especially important for children with health conditions who can’t be vaccinated themselves; they’re counting on the rest of us to help keep them safe.”

Fees for immunizations and screenings will vary. Payments for health services may be made by cash, MasterCard or Visa. Medicaid covers vision and hearing screenings and immunizations, and the health department accepts most insurance plans. For more information, call (800) 847-4262.

Parents and guardians can schedule an appointment for their child online for the Troup County Health Department at district4health.org, or they may call (800) 847-4262. Appointments are required and are available weekdays throughout the summer. The health department is located at 900 Dallis St., Suite A, in LaGrange.