New shot required for incoming sixth-graders

New shot

required for incoming sixth-graders

Last year,

for the first time, Georgia children attending day care or registering

in Georgia schools for the first time had to show proof that they have

been immunized against chickenpox, also known as varicella.

Children who

were already in attendance at other Georgia schools are exempt from the

rule.

This year,

for the first time, all students entering the sixth grade will have to

show proof of chicken pox immunization.

The Coweta

County School System is urging parents to vaccinate or arrange for proof

of vaccination or immunity (Department of Human Resources form 3132) as

early as possible, and to contact their children's new schools to get

all the details.

Proof of chicken

pox immunization and proof of MMR and booster are required of sixth graders,

along with the Georgia Immunization Certificate (including hepatitis B

inoculations) and vision/hearing, dental screening certificates for newly

registering students.

Immunization

and health screenings can be obtained from private physicians and from

the Coweta County Health Department, at 137 Jackson St., Newnan.

The county

Health Department gives immunizations and screenings Monday through Friday

from 8 - 11 a.m., and 1 - 3:30 p.m., with no appointment necessary at

its Newnan office. For more efficient service, bring copies of former

immunization records with you, and bring all pertinent Medicaid information

if applicable.

The costs are

$12 per shot plus $3 for the certificate at the Health Department. The

vision/hearing/dental screening is $18 plus $3 for the certificate.

Phone the Health

Department at 770-254-7400, or contact your child's health care provider.