Don't Wait to Get Back-to-School Immunizations

As parents and students prepare to begin another school year, most are faced with a long “to do” list they must accomplish before the first day back. According to Cobb & Douglas Public Health, not having vaccines current, could be a show stopper for most students when it comes to starting school. “We are encouraging parents to ensure their children’s vaccines are current, but particularly those of students entering kindergarten and sixth grade,” said Karen Thomas, District Immunization Director, Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

Children entering kindergarten, or those who are new to Georgia this school year will need an Immunization Certificate, Georgia Form 3231 and a Dental, Vision and Hearing Form 3200. Additionally, children entering the 6th grade need two doses of chicken pox vaccine, if they have not had chicken pox disease and, two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella).

Children entering kindergarten, or those who are new to Georgia this school year will need an Immunization Certificate, Georgia Form 3231 and a Dental, Vision and Hearing Form 3200. Additionally, children entering the 6th grade need two doses of chicken pox vaccine, if they have not had chicken pox disease and, two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella).

Immunizations are offered on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at most Public Health Centers in Cobb and Douglas counties. No appointments are needed, however, during high volume times we may sometimes need to suspend this service temporarily.

Marietta City schools start August 12, 2010. Cobb and Douglas County schools start August 5, 2010. “Whether using private providers or local public health, parents need to move quickly to avoid the rush. The closer it gets to the first day of school, the longer people can expect to wait,” she said.

Visit our website or call 770-514-2307 for more information about back-to-school immunizations.