Local health officials are urging parents to make sure their children are up-to-date on the latest immunization requirements from the state.
For the first time in 10 years, the Tennessee Department of Health has issued new requirements in addition to long-standing vaccines required to enter preschool, pre-k and seventh grade.
“Most of the diseases we vaccinate children against are diseases that would spread easily in a day care or school setting,” said Dr. Kelly Moore, medical director for Tennessee’s immunization program. “Some children can’t be vaccinated because of health problems. … By protecting as may children as possible, we actually protect the whole community,” including those unable to be vaccinated.
Most of the new requirements have been recommended for years, so chances are many parents won’t need to do anything this summer, other than get a certificate from their provider proving their child’s immunization history, said Tammy Burke, director of clinical services for the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department.
“Most children will have had these vaccines if they’ve been going to their health care provider in regular periodic intervals,” she said.