To help parents avoid the back-to-school rush, county health departments in the Coastal Health District are hosting special summer vaccination and screening events for children entering school this fall.

Students entering pre-K/kindergarten, seventh grade, and 11th grade are required by Georgia law to receive specific vaccines before attending school. Additionally, any child entering a Georgia school for the first time, regardless of grade, must complete vision, hearing, and dental screenings. Students who don’t meet these requirements may be unenrolled from school.

“Every August, we get frantic calls from parents who suddenly realize their children need vaccines or screenings, but appointments are booked up for weeks,” said Paige Lightsey, immunization program manager for the Coastal Health District. “We want to help families avoid that stress by encouraging them to visit their local health department this summer, when schedules are more flexible.”

Several health departments are hosting special vaccination and screening events as a convenience for parents and students. A list of all school clinic events is outlined below. However, vaccines and school screenings are routinely available at all the health departments in the Coastal Health District by appointment. You do not have to wait until one of these events for screenings or immunizations. Also, you do not have to be vaccinated in your county of residence. If a convenient appointment is not available in your county, you may call surrounding counties for additional availability.

“If you’re not sure if your child needs vaccines or school screenings, we can help,” Lightsey said. “We’ll gladly review your child’s immunization record and provide guidance. Now is the best time to check, so we encourage you to give us a call.”

Most health insurance plans cover the cost of required vaccines, and health departments accept many insurance plans. Low-cost vaccination programs are available for uninsured children. Contact your county health department for more details.

2025 School Vaccination and Screening Opportunities in the Coastal Health District * Vaccines and school screenings are routinely available at all the health departments in the Coastal Health District by appointment. You do not have to wait until one of these events for screenings or immunizations. Also, if a convenient appointment is not available in your county, you may call surrounding counties for additional availability.

Liberty County

• June 26, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

• July 17, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• July 24, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Vaccines and screenings • 1113 E. Oglethorpe Highway, Hinesville

• Appointments required.

• Schedule online at https://coastalhealthdistrict. as.me/liberty-school or by phone at (912) 8762173.

Long County

• June 26, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-5 p.m.

• July 24, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-5 p.m.

• August 21, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-5 p.m.

• Vaccines and screenings • 584 N. Macon Street, Ludowici

• Appointments required. Schedule by phone: (912) 545-2107