Immunizations

 

Back to School Immunizations

 

Georgia's immunization requirements for students entering or transferring into the eleventh grade have been revised to align with the current recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

Effective July 1, 2021, children 16 years of age and older, who are entering the 11th grade (including new entrants), must have received one booster dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), unless their initial dose was administered on or after their 16th birthday.

For more information regarding immunization, visit the links and resources provided.

Immunization Highlights

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both respiratory diseases that are highly contagious but are caused by two different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and flu is caused by the influenza virus. They are both transmitted in similar ways via droplets or small virus particles. Because both viruses have similar symptoms that vary from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms, it may be difficult to tell the difference between the two based on symptoms alone. Some of the most common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and muscle pain.

Immunization Records Request

In an effort to keep ourselves and our families safe and actively do our part in slowing the spread of these viruses, it is important for those who meet the criteria, to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and the flu virus. To decrease the risk of spreading the viruses to those who cannot receive the vaccine, due to age requirements and/or contraindications, we must all continue to take the proper precautionary steps, especially in public places, by ensuring to do the following:

  • Wearing a mask, especially in public places
  • Remaining 6 feet apart from others
  • Avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces

We urge Georgians to do their part to SLOW THE SPREAD!

For additional information and guidance on COVID-19, click here

For additional information and guidance on Influenza, click here

To find a location near you on where to get vaccinated, click here

Mission & Vision                           

Through collaboration with public and private providers, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders, work to increase immunization rates for all Georgians and decrease the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Vaccine-preventable disease levels are at or near record lows. Even though most infants and toddlers have received all recommended vaccines by age 2, many under-immunized children remain, leaving the potential for outbreaks of disease. Many adolescents and adults are under-immunized as well, missing opportunities to protect themselves against diseases such as Hepatitis B, influenza, and pneumococcal disease.

Contact the Georgia Immunization Program
Phone: (404) 657-3158 
Fax: (404) 657-1463
email:  [email protected]

Updated 5/22/23