Newborn Screening

The Georgia Newborn Screening (NBS) Program is a six-part preventive health care system designed to identify and provide early treatment for 31 selected inherited disorders that otherwise would cause significant morbidity or death. O.C.G.A. 31-12-6 The requirements of this Code section with regard to screening, retrieval, and diagnosis shall not apply to any infant whose parents object in writing thereto on the grounds that such tests and treatment conflict with their religious tenets and practices. Read more about what newborn screening is here.

 

Daycare Facilities

Georgia law allows for two types of exemptions from the immunization requirements: medical and religious. Each child must have one of two items on file - either a valid Georgia Immunization Certificate (Form 3231) or a signed, notarized statement, which is called an affidavit of religious exemption (DPH 2208). Schools and Childcare

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K-12 School Information

For a child to be exempt from immunizations on religious grounds, the parent or guardian must furnish the school/facility with a notarized affidavit stating that immunization conflicts with his or her religious beliefs. Recently, the Department of Health has required a specific form in place of the personal affidavit, DPH 2208. The form may not be altered and must be signed and notarized. Georgia Code O.C.G.A. 20-2-771

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Higher Education

The Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia develops and implements immunization policy for public colleges and universities. Religious and medical exemptions are permitted for entry in to most universities as well. Check with your individual school on specific forms and requirements. Immunization Requirements for Students

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Medical Exemptions

Medical exemptions are also available in Georgia but can be hard to acquire. Exemptions must be updated annually by a qualified physician. Reasons for medical exemptions can include previous adverse reactions to vaccine ingredients, autoimmune disease, or established immunity from a vaccine preventable disease through titer testing. Exemptions must be signed off on using Form 3231.

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GRITS (Georgia Registry of Immunization Transactions & Services)

The Georgia Immunization Registry is designed to collect and maintain accurate, complete and current vaccination records to promote effective and cost-efficient disease prevention and control.The GRITS immunization information system allows for a child’s history to be stored in a secure database. Doctors' offices, clinics, schools and child- care facilities enrolled as GRITS providers can access a child's vaccination history quickly and easily.

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Want to Opt-Out

Complete the Georgia Immunization Registry GRITS form and submit to the address listed on the form.

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Social Security Numbers & School Registration

Students enrolling in Georgia public schools for the first time will be asked by the school or school system to furnish a Social Security number. However, the Social Security Number is not required for enrollment in public schools. If they prefer, parents or guardians may sign a statement declining to provide the number without giving a reason. Students for whom Social Security numbers are not available will be assigned other student identification numbers. For further reading on exemptions and Georgia law, visit our friends at National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC)