Immunization

No child shall be admitted to or attend any school in the Tift County Public School system unless the child shall first have submitted a certification of immunization to school officials. State law O.C.G.A 20-2-771 (h) provides that violation of this provision is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $100 or by imprisonment for not more than 12 months. Form 3231 is required.

There are two exceptions to this requirement of certified immunization:

  1. A child who has a physical disability for whom vaccination is medically undesirable provided that the local board of health or any physician licensed under the laws of this state or of any other state having comparable laws governing the licensing of physicians has certified in writing to the effect that the child's health precludes him/her from having the immunization until whatever physical disability he/she has is relieved.

  2. A child whose parent or legal guardian objects to immunization of the child on the grounds that the immunization conflicts with the religious beliefs of the parent or guardian, provided that the parent or guardian must first furnish the responsible school official with an affidavit in which the parent or guardian swears or affirms that the immunization required conflicts with the religious beliefs of the parent or guardian. Immunization may be required in cases when the disease for which the immunization is required is in epidemic stages. A notarized signature of clergy is also required.

Vision, Hearing and Dental
No child beginning school for the first time shall be admitted to the Tift County Public School System unless the child has had a vision, hearing, and dental examination (Form 3300).

The student's parents or guardians shall furnish the school system with the appropriate certificate issued by a physician and dentist licensed by the State of Georgia or the health department acknowledging that the child has been examined.

This policy does not apply if the parent or legal guardian of the child objects to it on the grounds that such examination conflicts with their religious beliefs. In this case, the parent/guardian must furnish the school officials with a notarized affidavit stating this exemption.