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by Tiffany Capuano New immunization guidelines from the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health take effect July 1. Several vaccines are now required or have additional booster mandates for Georgia kids, and two new vaccines are being recommended. Children enrolled in childcare facilities or entering a Georgia school for the first time, including kindergarten, on or after July 1, 2007, are required to obtain the new vaccines prior to the first day of school. Vaccinations are offered at a doctor’s office or public health clinics and documented on the Georgia Certificate of Immunization (form 3231). This completed form must be provided by parents to the school or childcare.
Not sure if your child is on track?
What Diseases Do Immunizations Protect Against? Diphtheria: a bacterium that causes a throat infection so severe a patient can’t swallow or breathe. It can make poison in the body that can lead to heart failure or paralysis. The “D” part of the DTaP, DTP or Td vaccine protects against it. Hepatitis Type B: a virus that can cause liver damage. Many people who get it become lifelong carriers and can infect others. Hepatitis B vaccine protects against it. Hib, Haemophilus influenzae type b: a bacterium that causes meningitis, a swelling of the brain covering. It can also cause very bad throat or joint infections, pneumonia and hearing loss. Hib vaccine has been very successful in preventing this disease in young children. Measles: a highly contagious virus that causes fever and rash. It can lead to ear infections, pneumonia or swelling in the brain. The first “M” in the MMR vaccine protects against measles. Mumps: causes painful swelling around the cheeks and jaw. The virus can result in hearing loss or meningitis. The second “M” in the MMR vaccine protects children from mumps. Pertussis (whooping cough): causes coughing spells so violent that a child can’t breathe, eat or drink. The virus can lead to pneumonia, seizures or even coma. The “P” part of the DTaP or DTP vaccine protects against whooping cough. Polio: a virus that can paralyze, make muscles weak or even require a machine to breathe. IPV or OPV protects against the disease. Rubella (German measles): can harm unborn babies early in pregnancy. The “R” in the MMR vaccine protects against rubella. Tetanus (lockjaw): can cause muscle spasms severe enough to break bones. The bacteria get into the body through a wound. The “T” in DTaP, DTP or Td protects children. Everyone needs a tetanus booster every 10 years. Varicella Zoster (chicken pox): a virus that causes itching and blisters. It can be severe in some people and can lead to pneumonia or skin infections. The Varicella vaccine was added as a requirement to attend childcare and school in Georgia beginning August 1, 2000. Source: Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health
Had enough immunizations? Think again. As kids enter sixth grade, there are a few final shots they’ll need.
www.health.state.ga.us/programs/immunization |
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Under the new guidelines, these are the
immunizations affected:
Varicella (chicken pox) – second dose
needed to enter a Georgia school for the
first time or by sixth grade.
Older Kids Need Shots, Too