Madison Clarke
In Tennessee, children are required to be vaccinated before entering childcare, preschool, kindergarten, seventh grade, and college. The Tennessee Department of Health is responsible for immunization requirements, which are created through a normal, open rule-making process. The state follows published CDC guidelines for minimum age requirements and dose intervals. Required vaccines include MMR, DTaP, Tdap, and IPV or OPV. Children must also provide an Official Immunization Certificate, which is available through local health departments and medical offices. While some exemptions are allowed for religious or medical reasons, health leaders emphasize the importance of vaccinating children to prevent outbreaks of diseases like measles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is responsible for immunization requirements? | Tennessee Department of Health |
| Who needs to be vaccinated? | Children attending child care, pre-school, school, and college |
| Where can parents get the Official Immunization Certificate? | Local health departments and at many medical offices in Tennessee |
| What is the Official Immunization Certificate? | Documents the vaccinations a child has received |
| Where can children get vaccinated? | Pediatrician's office or the County Health Department |
| What is needed to get a child vaccinated? | Parent/guardian's photo ID, insurance card, and child's vaccination record |
| What if a family does not have health insurance? | Families can get vaccines for free by visiting their local health department |
| What if a family is travelling? | Discuss your itinerary with your healthcare provider to make sure you get any destination-specific vaccines and medicines |
| What if a family objects to vaccination on religious grounds? | A parent or guardian may file a signed, written statement that the immunization conflicts with their religious beliefs |
| What if a vaccine causes harm? | A healthcare provider must indicate which specific vaccines are medically exempted on a form |
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What You'll Learn
Immunization requirements for childcare and school
The Tennessee Department of Health is responsible for setting immunization requirements for children attending childcare, preschool, and school. These requirements are detailed in the Tennessee Department of Health Rules and can be found on the Official Immunization Certificate, which is available at local health departments and many medical offices in Tennessee.
Children enrolling in childcare facilities, preschool, or pre-Kindergarten must be up-to-date with their vaccinations at the time of enrollment. Required immunizations for this age group include:
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
- Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV - final dose on or after the 4th birthday)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (2 doses of each, normally given together as MMR)
- Varicella (2 doses or a credible history of the disease)
Infants entering childcare facilities are required to complete all necessary vaccines by no later than 18 months of age.
As children transition into school, additional immunization requirements come into effect. By the time they enter the 7th grade, children are mandated to receive the Tdap booster shot, which protects against Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis. The Tdap booster must be administered at or after the age of 10, and evidence of this vaccination is required for entry into the 7th grade.
It is important to note that Tennessee follows the published CDC guidelines for minimum age requirements and dose intervals. For vaccines with critical minimum age requirements, such as MMR and varicella, doses are considered valid if given up to 4 days before the minimum age. Additionally, there is a 4-day "grace period" for certain vaccines, but this does not apply to the 28-day interval between injectable or nasally administered live vaccines given at different visits.
Tennessee also allows for exemptions from immunization requirements. According to state law, a parent or guardian may submit a signed, written statement indicating that the immunization conflicts with their religious tenets and practices. Medical exemptions are also permitted and must be indicated by a healthcare provider on the appropriate form.
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Religious and medical exemptions
In Tennessee, the Department of Health is responsible for setting immunization requirements for children attending childcare, preschool, school, and college. While the state does not explicitly mention medical exemptions, it does respect religious exemptions. According to T.C.A. § 49-6-5001, a parent or guardian may submit a signed, written statement to school authorities stating that immunization conflicts with their religious tenets and practices. This statement must be affirmed under penalty of perjury.
It is important to note that the Tennessee Department of Health does not track or grant exemptions to immunization requirements. Parents or guardians seeking religious exemptions should inquire with their child's school or school district for specific information on their policies.
While medical exemptions are not explicitly mentioned in Tennessee's immunization requirements, it is generally accepted that a healthcare provider's determination takes precedence when it comes to vaccine exemptions. If a healthcare provider determines that a particular vaccine is not safe for a child, this decision should be respected. However, it is always a good idea to consult with the school or childcare facility to understand their specific policies and requirements.
In other states, such as Texas, medical exemptions are more clearly defined. In Texas, a medical exemption can be obtained with a signed note from a doctor (MD or DO) stating that receiving a specific vaccine required by the school could harm the child or someone in their family or household. This note is valid for one year unless the doctor states that the child has a lifelong condition.
When it comes to religious exemptions in Texas, a child-care facility, school, or institution of higher education may exclude an unvaccinated child from attending during an official emergency or an outbreak designated by the school or public health department. Additionally, only state-approved immunization exemption affidavits are valid for those who decline vaccines due to religious beliefs.
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Required vaccines
In Tennessee, the Department of Health is responsible for setting immunization requirements for children attending childcare, preschool, school, and college. These requirements are outlined in the Tennessee Department of Health Rules and can be found on the Tennessee Immunization Information System (TennIIS) website. Healthcare providers who administer vaccines can register with TennIIS to access the Official Immunization Certificate, which documents the required immunizations.
Children enrolling in childcare facilities, preschool, or pre-Kindergarten must be up-to-date on their vaccinations at the time of enrollment and are required to provide an updated certificate after completing all the necessary vaccines by 18 months of age. This includes vaccines such as:
- Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster (Tdap): Required for children entering 7th grade, with evidence of one dose given at or after the age of 10.
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate): The first dose must be given after a child's first birthday, with at least 30 days between the first and second doses.
- Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV): The final dose must be administered on or after the child's fourth birthday.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Two doses of each are normally given together. If born on or after January 1, 1957, children entering grades other than 7th grade are required to have two doses of each.
- Varicella: Two doses or a credible history of the disease are required.
It is important to note that Tennessee follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for minimum age requirements and dose intervals. For vaccines like MMR and varicella, doses are considered valid if given up to 4 days before the minimum age or interval. Additionally, injectable or nasally administered live vaccines should be administered at least 4 weeks apart if not given on the same day.
While there are religious and medical exemptions allowed, parents or guardians must provide the appropriate documentation to the school authorities. Tennessee also offers vaccines at no cost for children without insurance, with only a minimal fee for administration.
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Immunization certificates
In Tennessee, the Department of Health is responsible for setting immunization requirements for children attending childcare, preschool, school, and college. These requirements are detailed in the Tennessee Department of Health Rules and are based on the schedule published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
To meet these requirements, parents or guardians must provide an Official Immunization Certificate, which documents their child's vaccinations. This certificate is available from local health departments, many medical offices, and the Tennessee Immunization Information System (TennIIS). Healthcare providers who administer vaccines can register as authorized TennIIS users and download the form.
The Official Immunization Certificate is required for children enrolling in childcare facilities, preschool, and school, up to and including 12th grade. Children must be up-to-date with their vaccinations at the time of enrollment and provide an updated certificate after completing all required vaccines by 18 months of age. This certificate serves as proof that the child has received the necessary immunizations as per the state's requirements.
Tennessee also allows for certain exemptions from immunization requirements. According to T.C.A. § 49-6-5001, parents or guardians may submit a signed, written statement indicating that immunization conflicts with their religious beliefs. However, the Department of Health does not track or grant these exemptions, and specific inquiries should be directed to the relevant school or school district.
For residents of Knox County, Tennessee, the Knox County Health Department (KCHD) maintains immunization certificates and records for children. They provide guidance and support to local healthcare providers, assisting them with signing up for the Tennessee Immunization Registry. Additionally, they participate in the federal Vaccines for Children Program, offering vaccines at no cost to children without insurance, with only a minimal fee for administration.
To obtain an immunization record or certificate in Tennessee, individuals or parents/legal guardians of minors can submit a request to the Tennessee Immunization Information System (TennIIS). If a record is found, the necessary forms must be completed, signed, and returned before the release of the record. If no record is found, TDH staff can provide suggestions for locating old immunization records. Requests can be made online, by phone, fax, mail, in person, or through a healthcare provider or authorized agency.
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Where to get vaccines
In Tennessee, children enrolling in childcare facilities, pre-school, pre-Kindergarten, or infants entering childcare facilities must be up to date with their vaccinations. They are also required to provide an updated certificate after completing all the necessary vaccines, due no later than 18 months of age. The Official Immunization Certificate is available in local health departments and at many medical offices in Tennessee.
Tennessee healthcare providers who administer vaccines can register as authorized users and download the form through the Tennessee Immunization Information System (TennIIS). TennIIS is a statewide online immunization registry where records of immunizations may be recorded for persons of all ages. To request a copy of an individual's immunization record, you can fill out a request form here. If no immunization record is found, TDH staff can provide suggestions for places to search for old immunization records. To find local health departments in Tennessee, go to this website.
Vaccines and immunization certificates are available at your pediatrician’s office or the Knox County Health Department. Some clinics have extended hours. To have your child vaccinated at the health department, schedule an appointment by calling 865-215-5070. Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and your child’s vaccination record.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Tennessee state law requires that children receive certain vaccines before they can start school.
Required vaccines include MMR, DTaP, and Tdap (for children in seventh grade or above). Children enrolling in school for the first time should also receive the immunizations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and varicella.
You must provide your child's school with a state immunization certificate, which documents the vaccinations, before the first day of school.
Vaccines and immunization certificates are available at your pediatrician’s office or the local Health Department.
Yes, exemptions can be made for medical or religious reasons.
