TDH Offers Immunizations for School and Seasonal Illnesses

Families throughout the state are being reminded by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) that the time has come to prioritize vaccinations. This is the perfect time for parents to make sure their kids are completely vaccinated before returning to school in August, while students are on summer break and families are enjoying camps, swimming pools, and outdoor activities. Here are a few things parents should know; before classes start, kindergarteners and other kids starting school in Tennessee must give the school a completed, valid Tennessee Immunization Certificate. A certified healthcare professional must sign the certificate, or the state’s Immunization Information System must validate it. Every current student starting seventh grade is required to present a limited official Tennessee Immunization Certificate to the school attesting to their receipt of a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) booster. Students planning to attend college can inquire about special requirements from their school. Teens who have received all recommended vaccinations, including a meningitis booster after the age of 16, will be eligible to enroll in any state-run college in Tennessee. The full list of Tennessee child care and school immunization requirements is available at tn.gov/health/cedep/immunization-program/ip/vfc. In addition to the vaccinations mandated by schools, municipal health authorities offer vaccines for adults, youths, children, and newborns. These include defense against meningococcal disease, HPV, hepatitis A and B, and other illnesses. Maintaining updated immunization records aids in preventing the spread of illness within communities, schools, and families. TDH provides the influenza vaccine in all of the state’s health departments to help shield Tennessee residents from the seasonal flu. For availability and hours, please contact your local health department. As part of the statewide Fight Flu campaign, all 95 county health departments will be providing free flu vaccines to the public on October 21st. Your best line of defense against severe flu sickness is the flu vaccination, which is both safe and effective. To schedule an appointment or learn more about available immunizations, contact your local health department or visit www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/localdepartments.html.