School immunization requirements announced

Tennessee Department of Health (TDOH) requires certain immunizations for students entering pre-k, kindergarten, and 7th grades.

There is now only one official TDOH certificate of immunization that must be completed by medical providers for delivery to schools. Parents should present this official form prior to or at their child's registration for pre-k, kindergarten, 7th grade, or as a new student. This form is available from private healthcare providers or local health departments.

Parents are urged to begin this process early to avoid a delay in their child's school year. Medical providers experience high volumes of last minute immunization requests prior to the start of school. Therefore, beginning this process early can assure parents these requirements are met in advance of fall registration.

The Cannon County Health Department, located at 301 West Main Street, Woodbury, is hosting Back To School Clinics on July 10th, July 19th, and July 26th. Please call the Health Department at 615-563-4243 for an appointment. 

Below is a summary of the TDOH rule 1200-14-1-29 which details the immunization requirements for children enrolling in Tennessee Schools.

Children in Pre-School or Pre-K
Current immunization requirements:
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
- Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (1 dose of each, usually given together as MMR)
- Varicella (1 dose or history of disease)
New additional immunization requirements:
- Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib): age younger than 5 years only (this requirement is resumed following suspension during a national Hib vaccine shortage in 2008-2009)
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV): age younger than 5 years old.
- Hepatitis A (1 dose by 18 months of age)

Children entering kindergarten
Current immunization requirements:
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
- Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (2 doses of each, usually given together as MMR)
New additional immunization requirements:
- Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV): final dose on or after the 4th birthday now required
- Varicella (2 doses or history of disease): previously only one dose was required
- Hepatitis A (2 doses): effective July 1, 2011

Children entering 7th Grade
New immunization requirements:
- Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster ("Tdap")
- Verification of immunity to varicella (2 doses or history of disease)

New Enrollees in a TN School in Grades other than K or 7th
- Current immunization requirements:
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (2 doses of each, usually given together as MMR)

New additional immunization requirements:
- Hepatitis B (HBV): previously only for kindergarten, 7th grade entry
- Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV): final dose on or after the 4th birthday now required
- Varicella (2 doses or history of disease): previously only one dose was required

Children with medical or religious exemption to requirements:
- Medical: Healthcare provider must indicate which specific vaccines are medically exempted (because of risk of harm) on the new form. Other vaccines remain required.
- Religious: Requires only a signed statement by the parent/guardian that vaccination conflicts with their religious tenets or practices. If documentation of a health examination is required, it must be noted by the health care provider on the immunization certificate. In that case, the provider may explain the absence of immunization information by checking that the parent has obtained a religious exemption.

For more information, contact the Cannon County Health Department, your child's physician, your school nurse, or Connie Foster, Director of Coordinated School Health at 615-563-5752 x 245 or connie.foster@ccstn.com.