Christian UC: Vaccines

Tennessee Immunization Requirements

Updated Janyary 1994

Authority: Education, Elementary and Secondary Education, Tenn. Code Ann. %49-6-5001 & 5002. Communicable Diseases Rules and Regulartions, Tenn. Comp. R & Regs. Tit.ch. 1200-14-1-.29.

General Rule: Children must be immunized against the diseases designated by the commissioner of health and environment prior to attendance at any school, nursery school, kindergarten, preschool or day care facility of Tennesse. TCA %49-6-5001(a). No children shall be permitted to attend any public school, nursery school, kindergarten, preschool or day care facility until proof of immunization is given the admissions officer of the school. TCA %49-6-5001©(1). Regulations list as part of the general rule: nursery school, day care center, Head Start center, Kindergarten, or other pre-school, day care or grades kindergarten through twelve of any public, private or church related school. TCRR 1200-14-1.29(1).

Exceptions: There are two exceptions:

1) In the absence an epidemic or immediate threat thereof, this section shall not apply to any child whose parent or guardian shall file with school authorities a signed, written statement that such immunization and other preventive measures conflict with his religious tenets and practices, affirmed under the penalties of perjury. TCA %49-6-5001(b)(2).

2) If a child has not been immunized due to medical reasons and has a written statement from his doctor excusing him from immunization. TCA %49-6-5001©(2). Any immunization shall not be required if a qualified physician shall certify that administration of such immunization would be in any manner harmful to the child involved. TCA %49-6-5001(e).

Reporting: Each child who has not received all required immunizations will have their certificate forwarded to the commissioner of health and environment. The commissioner shall be responsible for monitoring the health records and notifying the student’s legal guardian(s) and the local school system in the case of noncompliance with immunization requirements. TCA %49-6-5002(b). To more efficiently bring about compliance, the state and county health departments are further authorized to provide proof of immunization to physicians who are evaluating a school-aged patient’s immunization status. TCRR 1200-14-1-.29(2).

Definitions: School includes nursery schools, Kindergartens, other pre-school, day care centers and facilities, after school day care facilities grades K-12 of any public, private or church related schools, vocational schools, technical schools, colleges and universities in the state of Tennessee. TCRR 1200-14-1.29(2).

Certificate: Proof of immunization shall be established by a certificate of immunization listing all immunizations which a child has received. TCA %49-6-5002(a).

Designated Diseases: "Diphtheria, measles (rubeola), pertussis (whooping cough), poliomyelitis, rubella, mumps and tetanus. TCRR 1200-14-1-.29(1).

Responsibility of Parent: It is the responsibility of the parents or guardian of children to have their children immunized, against the designated diseases. TCA %49-6-5001(b)(1).

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