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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.

Required Documentation
Tennessee Certificate of Immunization

All students must provide:

  • An official Tennessee Certificate of Immunization
  • Completed on the state-approved form

  • Signed by a healthcare provider or issued by the health department.

This documentation must be submitted prior to the student’s first day of school.

For additional information, visit the
Tennessee Immunization Program

Physical Exam 

This applies only to students entering school for the first time (Pre-K, Kindergarten, or new enrollees). The following is required:

  • Proof of a recent physical exam

  • Completed within the last 12 months

  • Documented on the Tennessee Certificate of Immunization form or an approved medical document signed by a licensed physician.

Note: A physical exam is a district requirement.

Immunization Exemptions

Tennessee law allows the following exemptions:

Religious Exemption

  • Parent must provide a Religious Exemption Form affirmed under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

  • States that immunizations conflict with religious beliefs/tenets

Note: Please obtain the appropriate document from your school nurse or access under commonly used forms.

Medical Exemption

  • Requires a written statement from a licensed physician

  • States that a vaccine is medically contraindicated

Important Information

  • Students cannot attend school without:
    • A Tennessee Certificate of Immunization, or

    • A valid exemption on file

  • Exemptions apply to immunizations only
  • Additional health documentation (such as a physical exam) may still be required by the school

Out-of-State or New Students

Students transferring from another state must:

  • Transfer records to an official Tennessee Certificate of Immunization
  • The Rutherford County Health Department can assist with this process

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.

Visit the Rutherford County Health Department Immunization Portal

Need Assistance?

Please contact your school nurse or local health department for help with:

  • Immunization records
  • Required documentation
  • Scheduling vaccines or physical exams

Helpful Tip:
To avoid back-to-school delays, families are encouraged to schedule appointments early in the summer.