Whooping Cough Epidemic
There has been a resurgence of whooping cough outbreaks around the country. California last week announced a whooping cough epidemic, reporting more than 800 cases in two weeks, along with two deaths in infants. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports nearly 10,000 cases so far this year of whooping cough.
Whooping cough is a contagious disease that causes violent coughing fits that make it hard to breathe. It spreads easily when someone with the disease coughs or sneezes. The cough can last for months. Whooping cough is particularly dangerous for young babies.
New 7th Grade Vaccination Requirements
All students born on or after January 1, 2002 and entering, advancing or transferring into 7th grade in Georgia need proof of an adolescent pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccination (called “Tdap”) and an adolescent meningococcal vaccination (“MCV4”). Proof of both vaccinations must be documented on the Georgia Immunization Certificate (Form 3231).
Who is affected by the new 7th grade vaccination requirements?
All Georgia public and private schools are affected by the law, excluding homeschool students.
K-12 Information
Higher Ed
- General Information
- Vaccination Requirements – The Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia develops and implements immunization policy for public colleges and universities. To learn more about which vaccines are required and which vaccines should be considered for students attending a Georgia public college click here, and here. Private colleges in Georgia develop and implement immunization policies individually for their campuses. Please contact the private college directly to inquire about their immunization requirements.
- Exemption Information
Daycare Information
“Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue.”