​​School Nurse Immunization Resources

• Standards for Issuing and Filing Certificates of Immunization (Policy Guide 3231 INS)
• Vaccine Requirements for Attending Facilities and Schools in Georgia (Policy Guide 3231REQ)
• Certificate of Immunization Form 3231 (Sample)
• Summary of Georgia Immunization Requirements for Child Care and School Attendance
• Immunization Guidance for School Nurses and Public Health Nurses  

Information for School Nurses to Share with Parents

• Best Shot Brochure
• Parent Letter of pertussis, meningitis
• Keep students and classrooms healthy
• 7th grade Vaccination Requirements

Immunization Resources 

• Georgia Department of Public Health Immunization Section
• Summary of Georgia Immunization Requirements for Child Care and School Attendance - Georgia Immunization Registry (GRITS)
• CDC Updated Recommendation for HPV Vaccination
• Immunize Georgia Newsletter
• Immunization Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Immunization Guidelines for Schools and Childcare Facilities
• Immunization Schedules
• 7th Grade Vaccination Requirements
• Childhood Immunization Schedule
• Adult Immunization Schedule
• Vaccines for Children
• Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)
• Sample Form 3231
• Policy Guide for Form 3231
• Form 2208 Religious Objections to Immunization 
• Form 2208 Religious Objections to Immunication - Spanish version
• Vaccine Requirements for Attending Facilities and Schools in Georgia
  
• Meningitis Vaccine Parent Letter
  
• Meningitis Vaccine Parent Letter - Spanish Version
  
• Meningitis Vaccine Poster​
  

Who is required to have the Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231)?

Children attending any childcare facility, pre-kindergarten, Head Start program, nursery, or school are required to have this form on file. This includes public and private operations and all enterprises, educational programs and institutions involved in the care, supervision or instruction of children. Certificates are required for all children through grade 12.

The certificate becomes invalid on the expiration date indicated. If a current certificate has not been submitted within 30 days after the expiration date, the child must be excluded from attendance until a current certificate is obtained.

Who may issue certificates?

Only a licensed Georgia physician, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant or qualified employee of a local Board of Health or the State Immunization Office may issue this certificate. The physician, APRN, PA or health department is responsible for interpretation of and compliance with the requirements set forth in Chapter 511-2-2 of the Rules of the Department of Public Health.

Exemptions:

The Official Code of Georgia provides for only two types of exemptions from immunization requirements:

1. Medical: Medical exemption for a vaccine should be filled in only when there is a physical disability or condition that contraindicates immunization for that particular vaccine. There must be an annual review of medical exemptions, and certificates must be reissued with or without indication of exemption. O.C.G.A. §20-2-771(d)

2. Religious: For a child to be exempt from immunizations on religious grounds, the parent or guardian must furnish the school/facility with a notarized Affidavit of Religious Objection to Immunization (DPH Form 2208) Chapter 511-2-2-.07 of the Rules of the Department of Public Health. The school/facility must keep the affidavit on file and available for inspection by health officials in lieu of the Georgia Immunization Certificate (Form 3231). The affidavit does not expire. O.C.G.A. §20-2-771(e)