A Playbook for School Administrators:
Ensuring Families Understand the Rules for Vaccines in Georgia
Georgia's Immunization Laws and Requirements
As a school administrator in Georgia, you're responsible for making sure all students meet the required immunization rules. These rules are based on state laws and public health guidelines, and they're crucial for keeping everyone in the school safe. This section explains the basic reasons behind these rules, helping administrators understand why they're important and giving them the confidence to enforce them properly.
The Legal Mandate: Decoding O.C.G.A. § 20-2-771
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-771) clearly states that children cannot attend school without proof of immunization. This isn't a suggestion; it's a strict rule. School officials are responsible for checking and keeping these immunization records for every student.
If a school official knowingly allows an unvaccinated child to attend, or if a parent intentionally fails to get their child vaccinated, both can be charged with a misdemeanor. This can result in a fine of up to $100 or up to 12 months in jail. This playbook is designed to help schools follow the law more easily by offering clear, step-by-step instructions.
Vaccine Requirements by Grade Level
Immunization compliance is a continuing process with specific checkpoints. A "new entrant" is any child entering a Georgia school for the first time or returning after more than 12 months. Use the filters below to view requirements for specific grade levels.
| Vaccine | Required Doses & Key Notes |
|---|---|
| DTaP/DT | 4 doses |
| Polio | 3 doses |
| Hepatitis B | 3 doses |
| Hib | 3 or 4 doses (not required on or after 5th birthday) |
| PCV | 4 doses (not required on or after 5th birthday) |
| MMR | 1 dose |
| Varicella | 1 dose |
| Hepatitis A | 2 doses (Required for children born on or after Jan 1, 2006) |
| DTaP/DT | 4 or 5 doses. A 5th dose is not needed if the 4th dose was given on or after the 4th birthday. |
| Polio | 3 or 4 doses. A 4th dose is required for children born on or after Jan 1, 2006, and it must be administered on or after the 4th birthday. |
| Hepatitis B | 3 doses |
| MMR | 2 doses of Measles and Mumps vaccine, 1 dose of Rubella vaccine (typically given as 2 doses of combined MMR). |
| Varicella | 2 doses. |
| Hepatitis A | 2 doses (Required for children born on or after Jan 1, 2006). |
| Tdap | 1 dose is required for all students entering the 7th grade. |
| Meningococcal (MCV4) | 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine is required for all students entering the 7th grade. |
| Meningococcal (MCV4) | 1 booster dose is required for students 16 years of age or older entering the 11th grade. This is not required if the first dose was administered on or after their 16th birthday. |
| Tdap | 1 dose is required for new entrants in grades 8 through 12. |
| Meningococcal (MCV4) | 1 dose is required for new entrants in grades 8 through 12. |
The Administrative Core: Documentation, Records, and Systems
Effective management hinges on mastering the required forms, records systems, and technology. Click the tabs below to learn about each critical state-mandated form.
Georgia Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231)
This is the sole document used to certify a student's immunization status. Schools and parents cannot obtain blank forms; they must be generated by a healthcare provider or public health clinic in Georgia.
- Issuance: Completed only by a licensed Georgia physician, APRN, PA, or a local public health official.
- Validity Checks: Must contain the child's name/DOB, issue date, provider name/address, and signature. Must be marked either "Complete for School Attendance" or have a future "Date of Expiration" for students on a catch-up schedule.
- Filing: A valid Form 3231 must be kept on file for every student and must be available for annual audits.
Affidavit of Religious Objection to Immunization (Form 2208)
This is the only document accepted for claiming a religious exemption to Georgia's immunization requirements.
- Requirements: A parent or legal guardian must complete and sign the affidavit in the presence of a notary public.
- Filing: A valid, notarized Form 2208 is filed in lieu of a Form 3231. It does not expire and remains on file for the duration of the student's enrollment.
Certificate of Vision, Hearing, Dental, and Nutrition Screening (Form 3300)
This is a separate, one-time health screening requirement.
- Requirements: Required for every child entering a Georgia public school for the very first time, at any grade level (Pre-K through 12).
- Completion: Can be completed by a local health department or a physician. This form does not expire or require renewal.
Managing Exceptions and Enforcing Compliance
This section addresses navigating legal exemptions and the legally required process of student exclusion for non-compliance.
Compliance Scenarios and Action Steps
The various compliance scenarios can be complex. The following guide provides the correct action for common situations.
Initial Action: Accept and file the certificate in the student's record.
Allowable Grace Period: N/A
Required Follow-up: Monitor for future grade-level requirements (e.g., 7th, 11th grade).
Final Action: N/A
Initial Action: Inform parent of the requirement and provide resources (e.g., local health dept. info).
Allowable Grace Period: Grant a 30-day waiver for a justified reason.
Required Follow-up: Send a reminder notice before the waiver expires.
Final Action if Not Resolved: Exclude student from attendance on day 31.
Initial Action: Notify parent in writing that a new, current certificate is required.
Allowable Grace Period: 30 days from the date of expiration.
Required Follow-up: Send a final warning notice before the 30-day period ends.
Final Action if Not Resolved: Exclude student from attendance on day 31 post-expiration.
Initial Action: Accept and file the affidavit in lieu of Form 3231.
Allowable Grace Period: N/A
Required Follow-up: None. The affidavit does not expire.
Final Action: N/A (unless an epidemic is declared).
Proactive Strategies for Improving Vaccination Rates
Beyond enforcement, administrators can be public health partners. This section provides strategies to help families overcome barriers and address misinformation.
Responding to Common Parental Concerns
Effective Response: "I understand why you'd be concerned. It can seem like a lot. The good news is that a baby's immune system is incredibly powerful and handles thousands of germs every day. The vaccines contain only a tiny, weakened fraction of what they encounter naturally, just enough to teach their body how to fight off the real disease safely."
Effective Response: "I know there's been a lot of confusing information about that online. It's a concern many parents have heard. The great news is that this has been studied extensively all over the world, with millions of children, and these large-scale studies have consistently shown there is no link between vaccines and autism. We can provide you with information from the CDC and AAP on this."
Effective Response: "It's a testament to how well vaccines work that we don't see diseases like measles or polio very often. They are still very common in other parts of the world and can be brought here easily. Vaccination is what keeps our community safe and ensures your child is protected if an outbreak does occur."
Effective Response: "That's an interesting thought. The challenge with 'natural' infection is that it comes with the risk of serious, and sometimes life-threatening, complications. For example, getting measles can lead to pneumonia or permanent brain damage. A vaccine provides immunity without your child having to suffer through the actual illness and its dangerous risks."
School-Located Vaccination (SLV) Clinic Checklist
- Assemble a planning team.
- Confirm partners (health dept, pharmacies, etc.).
- Select a date and location within the school.
- Develop a communication plan.
- Distribute parental consent forms.
- Work with the health department to order vaccine supply.
- Ensure proper storage and handling protocols are in place.
- Recruit and schedule clinical and non-clinical volunteers.
- Plan the physical layout and flow of the clinic.
Day of Clinic: Set up registration, screening, vaccination, and observation stations. Manage patient flow. Ensure all vaccinations are properly documented (e.g., in GRITS) and have a medical emergency plan in place.
Post-Clinic: Debrief with partners, review what worked well, report the number of vaccinations administered, and begin planning for the next event.