IMMUNIZATIONS

All students entering Metro Public School system must have a TENNESSEE SCHOOL IMMUNIZATION CERTIFICATE or a temporary certificate. These may be obtained from the Metro Health Dept or local pediatricians. A child may be exempt from receiving required immunizations for religious and medical reasons. A signed statement from the parent or guardian stating that immunization conflicts with their religious beliefs must be presented in place of the green card. For medical exemption, a signed statement from the child’s physician must be presented.

The following immunizations are required:

DTP/DTaP/TD
4 doses required
one dose must be given after age 4 yrs.
Provides immunity against diptheria, pertussis, and tetanus

OPV/IPV
4 doses are required; however if the 3^rd dose is given after age 4, the 4^th dose is not required.
If a combination of IPV/OPV is given all four doses are required.
Provides immunity against polio

Hepatitis B
3 doses for Kindergarten entry and 7^th grade.
2-3 doses schedule for adolescents
Provides immunity against only Hepatitis B not A or C

MMR
2 doses given with one after the first birthday and at least 30 days after the 1^st dose.
Provides immunity against Measles (Red), mumps, and Rubella (German measles)

Varicella
1 dose required or history of disease per parent. Given after first birthday
Provides immunity against chickenpox
All children initially entering Metro schools must have a health examination.

Source: Tennessee Department of Health

For additional information regarding immunization visit the National Immunization website:

http://www.cdc.gov/nip