IMMUNIZATIONS
Prior to entering school, each student must have a Certificate of Immunization on the form approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) providing documentation the student received age-appropriate immunizations. The Certificate of Religious Exemption and The Certificate of Medical Exemption will be accepted for medical and religious exemptions only on forms approved by the ADPH.
Students Entering 6th Grade
A booster dose of Tetanus-Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is required by the ADPH for all students aged 11 or older entering the 6th grade in Alabama. Pertussis is very contagious and is spread through moisture droplets in the air caused by coughing and sneezing. Adults and older children can spread Pertussis to babies, which can lead to serious illness, causing hospitalization, and even death. If your child has not reached their 11th birthday by the first day of 6th grade, please make prior arrangements for your child to receive the Tdap within the week after their 11th birthday. A new Alabama Department of Public Health Certificate of Immunization will be required.
The Alabama Department of Public Health highly recommends your child to receive additional vaccines for this age:
- HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
- Meningococcal (Meningitis)
For more information on immunization requirements in Alabama schools, contact the Mobile County Health Department at (251) 690-8889 or your family physician.
