There are two vaccines routinely recommended and given at age 11, Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster) and MCV (meningococcal) that have been part of the recommended vaccine schedule for years. Georgia is now going to require them for school attendance when entering 7th grade. The requirements begins with the 2014-2015 school year.

According to the Department of Public Health: “Effective July 1, 2014 children born on or after January 1, 2002 who are attending 7th grade and for new entrants into a Georgia school grades 8th through 12th must have received one dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine and one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine.”

Most parents it seems give these vaccines, but sometimes kids are late for their 11 year old well visit. Schools will be checking shot records on all children starting 7th grade, and the vaccines will be required for school. Parents should plan accordingly.

The HPV (human papilloma virus/cervical cancer) vaccine is also recommended at age 11, but it is not required for school in Georgia at this time.