Get Required Health Records to Attend School?

Make sure your child receives all required vaccinations before enrollment.

Some vaccines require multiple doses administered according to a recommended schedule, so it's important to plan ahead. Contact your child's physician or local health department to schedule any needed immunizations and screenings.

Certain vaccine requirements apply when students enter specific grade levels:

• Students entering seventh grade, and certain students entering grades eight through 12 for the first time, must have:
  • One dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine
  • One dose of meningococcal vaccine
  • Both vaccines must be documented on Form 3231 (Immunization Certificate)
• Students entering 11th grade who are 16 years of age or older must have a meningococcal booster dose (MCV4) unless their first meningococcal vaccine dose was administered on or after their 16th birthday.

Review the current Georgia immunization requirements to determine which vaccines apply to your child's age and grade level.

Immunization Certificate (Form 3231)

You must provide proof of required immunizations using the Georgia Immunization Certificate (Form 3231).

Your physician or local health department can complete the certificate. If your child received vaccinations in another state, you may need to provide those immunization records before the certificate can be issued.

Important information about Form 3231:

• Some certificates display a "date of expiration."
• Certificates with a date of expiration must be replaced within 30 days after the expiration date.
• Students may need additional vaccine doses before a certificate can be updated to a complete status.

Certificate of Vision, Hearing, Dental, and Nutrition Screening (Form 3300)

Children enrolling in a pre-kindergarten program or public school must provide a completed Certificate of Vision, Hearing, Dental, and Nutrition Screening (Form 3300).

These screenings can be completed by a physician, qualified health care provider, or local health department.

Exemptions

Georgia allows medical and religious exemptions from immunization requirements.

Medical Exemptions

• Medical exemptions must be documented directly on Form 3231.
• A physician's letter can't be used in place of the required exemption documentation.
• Medical exemptions may require periodic review and renewal, depending on the medical condition and exemption status.

Religious Exemptions

• Parents or guardians claiming a religious objection to immunization must submit a notarized Affidavit of Religious Objection to Immunization (Form 2208) to the school or childcare facility.

Please note that children with medical or religious exemptions may be excluded from attendance during certain disease outbreaks or public health emergencies.

Submit all required forms to your child's school or childcare program.

Schools may grant an extension of up to 90 days to allow families additional time to obtain and submit required documentation. Requirements and deadlines may vary by school system.

• Keep copies of your child's immunization and screening records for future reference.
• Monitor expiration dates on any Form 3231 certificates and obtain updated documentation when required.
• As children grow older, additional vaccines may be required for continued school attendance, including middle school and high school immunization requirements.
• Review recommended vaccines for preteens and teens to ensure your child's immunizations remain current.

Last updated June 2026