New immunization rules take effect on July 1

The Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, announced this week that new immunization rules for children enrolled in childcare facilities go into effect July 1. This includes children enrolled in Head Start and pre-kindergarten.

The new regulations are as follows.

A child under the age of five years must have the Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine. The number of doses will be dependent upon the child's age.

Children born on or after Jan. 1, 2006, who attend childcare facilities, must have two does of Hepatitis A vaccine or laboratory proof of immunity.

Parents and guardians should contact their childcare facility about their child's Certification of Immunization (Form 3231) and the expiration date. When the certificate expires, the child will be required to meet the new immunization requirements.

A child currently enrolled in a 4-year-old pre-kindergarten program who has a certificate marked as "complete for school", may need to obtain the second dose of varicella and mumps vaccine and will need to submit documentation of meeting the new requirements on the Georgia Certificate of Immunization upon entry to school (5- year-old kindergarten.)

Contact your health care professional to receive any needed vaccinations and to obtain a new Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231). Photocopies are accepted.