NASHVILLE – Summer fun is here, but school is just around the corner! Are your children up-to-date on their back-to-school vaccinations? The Berrien County Health Department is here to help. Join us at our back-to-school bash to ensure every child is ready for the new school year, and parents can avoid the last-minute rush.
The bash will be held at the health department Tuesday, August 6 from 8AM-4PM and Wednesday, August 7 from 8AM-6:30PM.
Immunizations that children may need before starting school include Tdap, the human papillomavirus (HPV) series, chickenpox, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, MCV4 or other vaccines based on the individual’s vaccine records.
MCV4 or meningococcal conjugate vaccine, is a two-dose series. It helps protect against four types of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease (serogroups A, C, W and Y). While most people who get the vaccine do not have any serious side effects it is always a possibility. The most common side effects include redness or pain where the shot was given and occasionally a fever. These side effects typically go away within 1-2 days.
Students entering the 7th grade need documentation of one dose of meningococcal vaccine and one dose of an adolescent pertussis (whooping cough) booster immunization (called “Tdap”) to begin classes in the new school year.
Parents are also reminded that all students entering or transferring into 11th grade will need proof of a meningococcal booster shot (MCV4), unless their first dose was received on or after their 16th birthday.
Every child in a Georgia school system (kindergarten-12th grade), attending a childcare facility, or a student of any age entering a Georgia school for the first time is required by law to have a Georgia Immunization Certificate, Form 3231.
Children over the age of 5 are also eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
In addition to vaccinations, Ear, Eye, Dental and Nutrition screening form (Form 3300) will be available during the back-to-school bash. Form 3300 is required for all students entering a Georgia school for the first time.
All immunization and EEDN forms will be completed after the service is provided. Parents and/or guardians will be responsible for submitting the forms to their child’s school.
For more information on immunizations visit http://dph.georgia.gov/immunization-section.
To schedule an appointment at Berrien County Health Department for the back-to-school bash, call 229-686-5411. The Berrien County Health Department is located at 600 S Jefferson St in Nashville, GA.