Immunization Requirements
Immunizations help protect students and staff by reducing the spread of preventable diseases. Tennessee law requires students attending public schools to meet specific immunization requirements unless a valid exemption is on file. The information below outlines required vaccinations and important deadlines to help families ensure students are ready for school. Please review this information carefully and contact the school if you have questions or need assistance.
- Tennessee Dept. of Health Certification of Immunization
- Proof of Physical within the last 12 months. A Tennessee Department of Health “Official Immunization Certificate” must be provided to the school before the student’s first day of class. The certificate is available from the local Health Department or your child’s physician. Students who are exempt from immunizations are still required to have this certificate signed by a physician and have proof of a physical exam. This includes students entering Pre-K, kindergarten and students transferring from another state.
- Click the link: https://www.tn.gov/health/immunization.html for more information of School Required Immunizations by TN Law
- Immunization Exemptions
- Religious Exemption: Parent must provide a Religious Exemption Form affirmed under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
- Medical Exemption: No child shall be denied admission to any school or school facility if the child has not been immunized due to medical reasons if the child has a written statement from the child’s doctor excusing the child from the immunization.
- Exemptions do not apply to Proof of Physical
The Rutherford County Health Department offers an online option for parents to upload their child’s out‑of‑state immunization record. Once submitted, the record is transferred to a Tennessee Certificate of Immunization. The completed TN certificate can then be emailed to the parent or picked up in person.