Shelbyville, Tenn. – Children are currently enjoying their summer break – swimming, going to camps, or just spending time outside and this is a good time when parents can make sure their children are ready for back-to-school with up-to-date immunizations.

"Making sure children in our county are up-to-date on their immunizations is an important way to keep them healthy and ready to learn for the upcoming school year,’’ said Bedford County Health Department Director Angie Faulkner.

What parents should know

• Kindergarteners and other children enrolling in a Tennessee school for the first time
must provide schools with a complete, official Tennessee Immunization Certificate
before classes begin. The certificate must be signed by a qualified health care provider
or verified by the state’s Immunization Information System.

• All current students entering seventh grade are required to give the school a limited
official Tennessee Immunization Certificate showing they have had a booster shot for
tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, also called a Tdap booster.

• Immunization requirements for college entry vary by institution, but teens who have
had all recommended vaccines including their meningitis booster, after they turn 16,
will meet all state-run colleges’ requirements.

The complete list of Tennessee child care and school immunization requirements can be found on TDH’s website at tn.gov/health/cedep/immunization-program/ip/vfc.

For more information on back-to-school immunizations, contact the Bedford County Health
Department at 931-684-3426.