Lowndes Health Dept. Holds Back-To-School Bash, VCS Registration Event
VALDOSTA – The first day of school will be here before you know it, and now is the time to check vaccinations off your back-to-school to-do list. The Lowndes County Health Department is helping families beat the rush to complete their requirements, avoid long wait times and start the school year prepared.
The health department will be hosting their annual back-to-school bash on July 27-31 and August 3–7 during regular health department hours, Monday through Thursday, 8AM-5PM and Friday 8AM-2:30PM.
“We know parents have a lot on their plates as they prepare for a new school year,” said Kim Davis, RN, Lowndes County Nurse Manager. “By getting vaccinations and screenings done early, families can quickly and easily cross one more item off their checklist so they can head into the school year with confidence.”
In addition to the back-to-school bash, South Health District has partnered with Valdosta City Schools for their Registration Event on July 15 from 3-6PM. The event, hosted by VCS, will take place at both the health department and SHD District Office located downtown. During the event, parents will be able to register their children and complete enrollment requirements for the 2026-2027 school year.
Immunizations that children may need before starting school include
- Tdap
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) series
- Chickenpox
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Hepatitis A & B
- MCV4 (meningococcal conjugate vaccine)
- Other vaccines based on the individual’s vaccine records
Students entering the 7th grade need documentation of one dose of meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) and one dose of an adolescent pertussis (whooping cough) booster immunization (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 an MCV4 vaccine, 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.
In addition to vaccinations, Ear, Eye, Dental and Nutrition screenings form (Form 3300) will also be available during the back-to-school bash. Form 3300 is required for all students entering a Georgia school for the first time.
Some immunizations may be covered by the individual’s insurance provider. Standard clinic fees will apply for any vaccines or forms that are not covered by insurance.
For more information on immunizations visit http://dph.georgia.gov/immunization-section.
To schedule an appointment at Lowndes County Health Department for the back-to-school bash, call 229-333-5257. The Lowndes County Health Department is located at 206 S. Patterson Street in Valdosta.