As families prepare for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year, parents and guardians of students entering seventh and eleventh grades are being reminded to ensure their children meet Georgia’s school immunization requirements.
Under Georgia law, all students entering seventh grade must receive the Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough), as well as one dose of the meningococcal vaccine (MCV4).
Students entering eleventh grade are also required to receive a meningococcal booster shot unless their initial MCV4 vaccination was administered after their 16th birthday.
School officials emphasize that all required immunizations must be documented on the Georgia Certificate of Immunization, commonly known as Form 3231.
Medical and religious exemptions are available for eligible students. Parents seeking additional information about vaccination requirements, exemptions, or available immunization services are encouraged to visit the Georgia Department of Public Health website.
Officials are urging families not to wait until the last minute to schedule appointments, as healthcare providers often experience increased demand in the weeks leading up to the start of the school year.
Parents are encouraged to review their students’ immunization records now and ensure all required vaccinations are completed before classes begin in August.