As students in Long County prepare to head back to school Sept.8, the Long County Health Department is reminding parents of the required vaccinations and immunizations shots that are needed before attending school or daycare.

According to the Coastal Health District even students who will be learning virtually need to get their immunizations.

Students entering a Georgia school for the first time – no matter what the grade level – must also have a completed Certificate of Vision, Hearing, Dental, and Nutrition screening form. “First time” means never enrolled in a Georgia school before at any time in their lives. This service is provided by the Long County Health department.

The Long County Health Department said children will need additional vaccinations at certain points throughout their schooling. There are vaccine requirements for middle school children as well as college students.

Effective July 1, 2014, children born on or after January 1, 2002 who are attending seventh grade, and new entrants into Georgia schools in grades 8 through 12, must have received one dose of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine and one dose of meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine. (“New entrant” means any child entering any school in Georgia for the first time or entering after having been absent from a Georgia school for more than 12 months or one school year).

Before starting the 2021-2022 school year, all students entering or transferring into 11th grade will need a meningococcal booster shot (MCV4), unless their first dose was received on or after their 16th birthday.

For more information and to download forms visit: https://www.gachd.org/programs-services/immunizationsvaccinations/vaccinations-for-school/

According to Georgia law, only the parent or legal guardian can sign a consent form authorizing immunizations of a minor.