Wednesday, February 28, 2001

Is your child ready for sixth grade?

Changes in the immunization schedule and Georgia immunization requirements may leave some parents wondering.

If you are new to the area, or just thinking ahead in anticipation of your childs progression to the 6th grade next school year, you need to be sure that your child meets all state immunization requirements. All students entering 6th grade are required to have proof of immunity for chickenpox (varicella) and measles.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

A child is considered immune to chickenpox if there is documentation of one of the following:

Date(s) of a Chickenpox (Varicella) vaccination (shot) or date of history or diagnosis of child having the disease by a health care professional. (The childs parent or guardian tells the nurse or MD when, what symptoms the child displayed, and for what length of time.)

Date of a positive blood test (Positive antibody test indicates that the person has had the disease.)

Measles

A child is considered immune if there is documentation of either:

Two Measles-containing vaccinations given on or after the childs first birthday (and at least one month apart) or

A positive blood test (Positive antibody test indicates that the person has had the disease.)

Documentation of immunity

If a child is currently attending school and has a Georgia certificate of immunization on file, immunity for varicella and measles should be documented on a Supplemental Vaccine Certification Form (Form3189).

This form is obtained from the childs physician or local health department. It should be given to the school to attach to the childs existing Georgia Certificate of Immunization (Form 3032 or 3231).

Again, let us stress that this is a new form that must be obtained to add to the form that should already be on file if your child is currently in the Georgia school system.

If the child is entering from out of state, this information, in addition to the other required vaccine dates must be documented on the Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231), which is also available from a Georgia physician or a health department.

These immunization requirements are based on the current Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule developed and approved by doctors and scientists, including the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

Providing immunizations that protect your child from disease may be the most important thing you can do for his / her health. The shot schedule is complex and your child may be due for additional vaccines.

Ask your doctor or your local health clinic or health department to review your childs immunization record and discuss any questions or concerns that you may have.