Vaccine requirements have been expanded for children in Georgia. The Coastal Health District is working to educate parents, schools and daycares about the new requirements, which go into effect July 1.
The Georgia Department of Human Resources Board recently approved the additions, following the recommendations of several physician advisory committees. The new requirements will affect all children attending childcare, Pre-K, Head Start and schools. The changes include:
• A second dose of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine and a second dose of mumps vaccine (or laboratory proof of immunity) for children entering kindergarten, sixth grade or students entering a Georgia school for the first time in any grade;
• The hepatitis A vaccine (or laboratory proof of immunity) for children born on or after Jan. 1, 2006, who are enrolled in school or childcare facilities;
• The vaccine to prevent pneumonia for children younger than 5 who are enrolled in childcare centers, Pre-K or Head Start.
The Georgia Immunization Program has always followed the recommendations of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The ACIP meets regularly to discuss and evaluate vaccine use and issue recommendations.
“Vaccines are critical in preventing the spread of disease,” says Marianne Pappas, immunization coordinator for the Coastal Health District. “These new requirements make Georgia’s immunization rules even stronger, and our children will benefit.”
Children can get vaccinated at their doctor’s office or county health department. Parents may contact their doctor or health department for more information about requirements specific to their child.
Find more information, go to the district’s Web site at www.gachd.org and click “Immunizations and Vaccinations” under Quick Links.
The Georgia Department of Human Resources Board recently approved the additions, following the recommendations of several physician advisory committees. The new requirements will affect all children attending childcare, Pre-K, Head Start and schools. The changes include:
• A second dose of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine and a second dose of mumps vaccine (or laboratory proof of immunity) for children entering kindergarten, sixth grade or students entering a Georgia school for the first time in any grade;
• The hepatitis A vaccine (or laboratory proof of immunity) for children born on or after Jan. 1, 2006, who are enrolled in school or childcare facilities;
• The vaccine to prevent pneumonia for children younger than 5 who are enrolled in childcare centers, Pre-K or Head Start.
The Georgia Immunization Program has always followed the recommendations of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The ACIP meets regularly to discuss and evaluate vaccine use and issue recommendations.
“Vaccines are critical in preventing the spread of disease,” says Marianne Pappas, immunization coordinator for the Coastal Health District. “These new requirements make Georgia’s immunization rules even stronger, and our children will benefit.”
Children can get vaccinated at their doctor’s office or county health department. Parents may contact their doctor or health department for more information about requirements specific to their child.
Find more information, go to the district’s Web site at www.gachd.org and click “Immunizations and Vaccinations” under Quick Links.