July 14, 2023
By: Dwayne Page
Health officials are reminding parents about the requirements for vaccinations for students ahead of the upcoming school year.
If your child does not get his or her shots updated in time, they may not be allowed to attend school.
The DeKalb County Health Department will have a Vaccine Clinic for 7th grade and kindergarten students July 14 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment at 615-597-7599.
Kindergartners or children enrolling in Tennessee schools for the first time need to show proof of their immunizations records.
Many parents may not realize the requirement for incoming seventh graders is proof of tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis booster (also known as T-Dap) and a Varicella vaccine booster or proof of having had chicken pox.
Infants entering child care facilities must be up to date at the time of enrollment and are required to provide an updated certificate after completing all of the required vaccines due no later than 18 months of age.
With your child starting seventh grade, this is also a great opportunity for him/her to get vaccinated for the (HPV). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all kids who are 11 or 12 years old to get two shots of HPV vaccine six months apart. HPV is a very common virus. About 14 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV each year. Most people with HPV never develop symptoms or health problems. Sometimes, however, HPV infections will last longer and can cause certain cancers and others diseases. HPV vaccine is cancer prevention. All 11 to 12-year-olds should be vaccinated with a meningococcal vaccine as well.
Children with medical exemptions must provide their child’s school with documentation from their medical provider. Religious exemptions require a signed statement by the parent/guardian that vaccination(s) conflict with his or her religious tenets or practices.