SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The Coastal Health District is reminding parents that students must have current vaccinations and health screenings relevant to their grade level before the school year begins.

In the state of Georgia kids typically need vaccines when they are about to enter pre-school or kindergarten, 7th, and 11th grade.

If your child has transferred to a Georgia school, they will need to present records from their previous state, as vaccine requirements can differ, according to Chatham County nurse manager, Sierra Peebles.

“Typically, children entering kindergarten need a booster for the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines,” Peebles explained. “They also require an updated tetanus shot, and possibly a polio vaccine. For seventh-grade students, another updated tetanus shot is needed along with a meningitis vaccine. Then for the 11th graders, a meningitis booster is required, and they are also eligible to receive the HPV vaccine.”

Peebles said if it’s your child’s first time in a Georgia school whether because of a transfer or by going into pre-school or kindergarten they will have to take a screening, which includes vision, hearing, dental and nutrition.

The Coastal Health District also said that there is a religious exemption if needed, but stresses that vaccines and screenings are all about prevention.

“Vaccines are one of the greatest public health initiatives that we have to date and there’s a reason why we want your child to be vaccinated,” Peebles said. “It’s to prevent disease and illness.  You want your little one in school. You want them to learn and grow and develop properly. So, if you get them vaccinated, you don’t have to worry about your kids catching those illnesses or diseases They get to stay in school and then.”

The Coastal Health District has offered free school vaccinations and screenings for individuals who may need it. A full list of dates, locations and times are available here at their website.