Christian UC: Vaccines

Georgia Immunization Requirements

Updated December 1993

Authority: Education, Part III, Health, Ga. Code Ann. 20-2-771. Rules of Department of Human Resources Public Health, Ga. Comp. R. & Regs.§ 290-5-4-. 01 to .09.

General Rule: No child shall be admitted to or attend any school or facility in this state unless the child shall first have submitted a certificate of immunization to the responsible official of the school or facility. - GCA § 20-2-771 (b). The Department of Human Resources shall promulgate rules and regulations specifying those diseases against which immunization is required and the standards for such immunizations. GCA § 20-2-771 (c).

Exceptions:

1) There is a 30 day waiver, extendable to 90, granted after request to a school official, in order to allow the parents time to immunize the child. GCA § 20-2-771 (b).

2) If a child has a physical disability that would make immunization undesirable, the child may be granted an exemption certificate until the problem is relieved. GCA § 20-2-771 (d).

3) A child may be exempted on religious grounds if a parent furnishes an affidavit swearing that the immunization required conflicts with the religious beliefs of the parent. The immunization may be required in cases when such disease is in epidemic stages. GCA § 20-2-771(e). Religious belief in divine healing through faith not to excuse refusal to have children vaccinated. son v. State, 84 Ga. App. 259, 65 S.E. 2d 848 (1951).

Definitions

Immunization - the presumptive presence in the body of an immunized person of sufficient protective antibodies or of cellular immunity, as a result of previous infection or introduction of specific antigenic agents, or a presumptive state of being so conditioned by previous experience with a particular disease so as to provide an immediate and protective respons upon exposure to specific infectious agents of that disease. GCRR 290-5@-01(a).

Facility - any public or private daycare center or nursery intended for the care, supervision, or instruction of children.' GCA § 20-2-771 (a)(2).

Responsible Official - a county school superintendent, a school principal, or a chief operating officer of a school or facility.' GCA § 20-2-771 (a)(3). School--any public or private educational program or institution instructing children at any level or levels, K-12, or children of ages five through 19 if grade divisions are not used.' GCA § 20-2-771 (a)(4).

Designated Diseases: Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, rubella, mumps and haemophilus Influenzae type b in child care facilities only. GCRR 290-5-4-.02(l).

Penalty: Any responsible official or parent permitting a child to remain in school in violation of the immunization rules shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished with a fine of not over $100 or imprisonment of not more than 12 months. GCA § 20-2-771 (h).

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