Law requires new vaccinations for children
Health department to hold clinic next week
By Anne Marie Kyzer Staff Writer

Parents may need to update their children's immunizations before they head to daycare or back to school this fall.

A new law that went into effect July 1 requires additional vaccines for children entering kindergarten, students going to the sixth grade and those enrolled in daycare.

The Burke County Health Department (BCHD) will hold an immunization clinic next week to help make sure children are up to date.

According to Barbara Ann Hammett of the BCHD, two doses of the chicken pox vaccine are now required for children going to kindergarten or the sixth grade.

Children in daycare who were born after Jan. 1, 2006 must receive the Hepatitis A vaccine, and those under the age of five must be immunized for pneumococcal disease.

Also, any students transferring into public or private Georgia schools from out of state must be up to date on their immunizations, regardless of grade level.

If parents are unsure of what vaccines their children might need, Hammett said staff at the health department can access their records, even if their previous immunizations were administered elsewhere.

Parents or guardians need to present a picture ID and should bring identification for their children, which may include a social security card, picture ID, school ID or birth certificate. The child's latest shot record would be helpful as well.

If parents are interested in receiving discounts for the immunizations, they may bring proof of income. Hammett said that even if patients have insurance, they may still be eligible for free vaccines and to pay only a fraction of the administration and office visit fee.

For more information, contact the BCHD at 706-554-3456.

CLINIC WHERE: Burke County Health Department, located at 332 Dogwood Drive WHEN: July 23-27; Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 8 a.m.- noon, 1-4:30 p.m. and Tuesday & Thursday: 8 a.m.-noon, 1-6 p.m.

NEW IMMUNIZATIONS

REQUIREMENTS · Students headed to kindergarten or sixth grade must have two doses of the chicken pox vaccine.

· Children born after Jan. 1, 2006 enrolled in daycare must have a Hepatitis A vaccine.

· Children under the age of five enrolled in daycare must be immunized against pneumococcal disease.