Summer activities are in full swing, and kids are making the most of their time off before the new school year begins. Although it’s still early in the summer, it’s never too soon for parents to start preparing for the back-to-school season. This includes shopping for supplies and organizing schedules, but it also includes making sure your kids have all the necessary vaccinations.
In Tennessee, like in many states, vaccination requirements are in place to protect the health of all students and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Understanding these requirements can help ensure a smooth and healthy start to the school year.
Why Vaccinations Matter
Just like ensuring your child brings protective gear when participating in summer sports, vaccinations are essential for safeguarding them against contagious diseases. During the summer months, children have more space and are less likely to catch illnesses. However, schools, where many children gather, can be hotspots for spreading diseases, making vaccination a key preventive measure.
Tennessee’s Vaccination Requirements for School
In Tennessee, the Department of Health has specific vaccination requirements for children entering school. These requirements comply with state laws and promote a healthy school environment. Below is a list of the required vaccines and the diseases they protect children from:
● Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP): Protects against three serious bacterial diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
● Polio (IPV or OPV): Protects against poliomyelitis, a viral disease that can cause paralysis, and is administered as inactivated poliovirus (IPV) or oral poliovirus (OPV).
● Hepatitis B: A vaccine that protects against the hepatitis B virus, which causes liver infection and can lead to serious liver disease.
● Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib): Protects against infections caused by the Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria, which can lead to severe diseases like meningitis.
● Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV): A vaccine that protects against pneumococcal infections, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
● Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): A vaccine that protects against three viral diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.
● Varicella (Chickenpox): A vaccine that protects against the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox.
● Hepatitis A: A vaccine that protects against the hepatitis A virus, which causes liver infection and is often spread through contaminated food or water.
Recommended Immunization Schedule
Tennessee follows published CDC guidelines that govern vaccination requirements for various school levels. Below is an overview of the mandatory vaccinations needed:
Pre-Kindergarten
For children entering pre-kindergarten programs, the following vaccinations are required:
● Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)
● Polio (IPV or OPV)
● Hepatitis B
● Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
● Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
● Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
● Varicella (Chickenpox)
● Hepatitis A
Kindergarten through 6th Grade
For students entering kindergarten, the following additional vaccinations are required:
● DTaP
● Polio
● Hepatitis B
● MMR
● Varicella
These are in addition to any doses required for pre-kindergarten that were not completed.
7th Grade
At the 7th-grade entry, students must provide proof of additional immunizations:
● Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster (Tdap)
● Varicella (if the student has not had chickenpox)
New Enrollees in a Tennessee School
Any child enrolling in a Tennessee school for the first time, regardless of grade level, must provide proof of the following vaccinations:
● DTaP
● Polio
● Hepatitis B
● MMR
● Varicella
Exemptions and Additional Recommendations
While Tennessee law requires these vaccinations for school attendance, there are provisions for medical and religious exemptions. A medical exemption must be documented by a healthcare provider, stating that a specific vaccine is contraindicated for the child. Religious exemptions must be submitted in writing by the parent or guardian.
Additionally, while not required, the Tennessee Department of Health strongly recommends the following vaccinations for all children:
● Influenza: Annually, to protect against seasonal flu.
● Meningococcal Vaccine: This vaccine is particularly important for teenagers and college students to protect against meningitis.
● Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: This vaccine is recommended for preteens to protect against HPV-related cancers.
Preparing for the School Year
Starting the school year off on the right foot involves more than just new notebooks and fresh pencils. It’s important to get ahead and prioritize your child’s health by ensuring they are fully vaccinated according to state requirements. If any vaccinations are missing, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Ensure that a copy of the updated immunization records is obtained and retained for submission to the school. By following these steps, your family will stay ahead, ensuring a great summer and a strong beginning to the school year.
Sources
Tennessee Department of Health: Immunization Requirements
