Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department reminds parents to immunize kids

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – August is National Immunization Awareness Month.

With back to school right around the corner, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department is busy getting kids the immunizations they need.

“It’s important to protect your child’s health, some vaccines – not all vaccines are required for school. But the ones that are required… they protect against diseases that can be easily spread in a classroom setting,” says Lauren Hawkins, Manager of the Pediatric Clinic at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department.

The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department is busy helping parents get their kids immunizations up to date.

Hawkins says, “It’s a requirement in Tennessee for all children who are going into preschool, kindergarten, news students who are coming to school in Tennessee for the first time and going into 7th grade – all of those children are required to submit a Tennessee immunization certificate to their school or child care provider.”

The Tdap vaccine – a tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster – is the one commonly forgotten. That’s the one necessary for seventh grade.

“The seventh grade entry requirement is one that a lot of parents don’t remember,” Hawkins told News 12.

Without vaccines, children can be sent home from school and Hawkins has seen that happen.

“Last year we did have reports from parents that some children had tried to go school and the school told them to come to the health department for their vaccines,” says Hawkins.

All kids can be ready for the school year. The Health Department gives immunizations on a walk-in basis.

“We don’t take appointments for shots, but parents can come in when they want, I would expect longer wait times right now due to back to school week,” says Hawkins.

The Health Department website can help parents figure out which vaccines their kids need based on their birth-date. Visit health.hamiltontn.org for more.