What about the new school vaccination rules?

As of June 1st, 2007, a state law passed requiring children entering kidergarten or 6th grade to have a second varicella shot.

Any child born January 1st, 2006 or after must have two Hep-A shots.

What rules effect new students?

Children entering school for the first time, either new K-4 students OR older students just entering Georgia schools, must have TWO mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. They must have completed (or be in the process of completing) the Hepatitis B vaccine series. They must have had a chicken pox (varicella) vaccination OR have a clear history of chicken pox disease.

What rules effect older students?

Children going to K-5 this year who attended a public K-4 last year MUST MEET THE NEW REQUIREMENTS (see the above paragraph). The immunization form used for registration last year MUST BE REPLACED with the new vaccination form for the 2000-2001 school year. These children will probably need one or two vaccines to meet requirements even if they met all of last year’s requirements!

What rules effect day cares?

All children attending a licensed day care in Georgia, at any age, will also be required to have received the chicken pox (varicella) vaccine OR to have a clear history or the disease.

What about the 'ear infection' vaccine?

Prevnar is a new vaccine developed to provide immunity against certain strains of the pneumococcal germ. This germ is the most common cause of ear infections (about 30%). Research has found that using this vaccine may reduce the amount of ear infections in children. There is clearly a reduction in the amount of meningitis and that is the main reason for this vaccine. While it may help some forms of ear infections it does NOT protect from all forms of infections.

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