Originally created 07/30/04

New pupils required to have shots, exams

By Staff Writer

Parents with children on Georgia Medicaid can once again use county health departments for essential school exams without getting prior approval from the child's primary care physician. Medicaid had settled on the rule last year, which led to fears it would create a cumbersome process for both parents and health departments if children showed up without it.

"We no longer have to have prior authorization from the primary care provider to do the vision, hearing and dental screenings," said Jane Oglesby, the facility administrator for Richmond County Health Department. The tests are required for any child entering a Georgia school for the first time. Georgia immunization requirements are:

At least four doses of diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and poliomyelitis, with the last dose administered on or after the fourth birthday;

Measles, mumps and rubella;

To enter the sixth grade, a second dose administered after the first birthday;

The varicella vaccine or proof that the child has had chickenpox.

To get vaccinations in South Carolina, parents must present the child's Social Security card. The state's immunization requirements are:

Three doses of any combination of the following: DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), DT (diphtheria and tetanus), DTP-Hib (same as above, plus meningitis), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis), or Td (tetanus diphtheria), with at least one dose delivered on or after the fourth birthday;

Three doses of oral or inactivated polio vaccine, with one dose after the fourth birthday;

Two doses of rubeola (measles), with both doses on or after the first birthday and separated by at least one month;

One dose of rubella (German measles) vaccine on or after the first birthday;

One dose of mumps vaccine on or after the first birthday;

Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine;

For children entering kindergarten through fourth grade, one dose of varicella vaccine received on or after the first birthday or proof that the child has had chickenpox.

MORE INFORMATION

For complete immunization requirements:

South Carolina: Call (800) 27-SHOTS or visit www.scdhec.netGeorgia: Call (404) 657-3158 or visit www.ph.dhr.state.ga.us

Immunizations are available at local health departments:

Aiken County Health Department
828 Richland Ave. W.
Aiken, SC 29801
(803) 642-1687

Columbia County Health Department
6420 Pollard's Pond Road
Appling, GA 30802
541-1318

North Augusta Health Department
802 East Martintown Road
North Augusta, SC 29801
(803) 642-1687

Richmond County Health Department
950 Laney Walker Blvd.
Augusta, GA 30901
721-5800

Reach Tom Corwin at (706) 823-3213 or tom.corwin@augustachronicle.com.