Starting Aug. 1, Georgia children attending day care or Georgia schools for the first time this school year will be required to show proof that they have been immunized against chicken pox, also known as varicella.

Children who have already been attending Georgia schools are exempt from this new rule.

This rule applies to all students entering day care, pre-kindergarten, or kindergarten classes for the first time in Georgia or transferring to any grade in a Georgia school for the first time.

For all parents who wish to plan for the future, as of Aug. 1, 2001 (next school year), all students entering the sixth grade will have to show proof of the immunization.

Parents are urged to vaccinate their new schoolers early and beat the back-to-school rush.

For information phone 404-657-3158 or 1-800-253-6970 or see your pediatrician.