Preschool students, students entering sixth grade and any child entering any grade for the first time will be required to meet some new immunization rules before they can start school next fall, according to new Georgia state laws.
The new rules and changes are effective July 1 and are explained as follows:

For children less than 5 years old who are attending childcare facilities, Head Start or Pre-K programs, a new pneumococcal conjugate vaccine will be required prior to enrolling in the facility or program.

For all children born on or after Jan. 1, 2006, the new Hepatitis A vaccine will be required.

For children entering kindergarten, sixth grade or any new entrants into any grade (K-12), a second dose of the mumps vaccine, or proof of disease history or serologic immunity, will be required.  

For children entering kindergarten, sixth grade, or any new entrant into any grade (K-12), a second dose of the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, or proof of disease history or serologic immunity, will be required.  

Any child already enrolled but who does not have an immunization certificate on file will be required to obtain a new certificate and is expected to comply with the current requirements.

Parents with children who will need any of the immunizations listed above are encouraged to visit the health department or their doctor as soon as possible.  

Pre-K and kindergarten students, as well as sixth grade students, will not be allowed to enter school on Aug. 6, unless the updated immunization certificate is on file with the school.