WALB is working to produce a video specific to this story. In the meantime, watch other stories from across the area above.

TIFT COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — The Georgia Department of Public Health is working to ensure all Tift County students meet immunization requirements before the 2026-2027 school year.

On Tuesday July 22, the Tift County Health Department (TCHD) will host an immunizations event to get students ready for the new school year. The event begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. No appointment is needed.

The Tift County Health Department is located at 305 E. 12th Street in Tifton.

Students entering 7^th grade must have one dose of meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) and one dose of an adolescent pertussis (whooping cough) booster immunization before the new school year according to the TCHD.

Students entering 11^th grade need proof of a MCV4 vaccine unless their first dose was given on or after their 16^th birthday.

All students in the Georgia School system from K-12 are required by law to have a Georgia Immunization Certificate. That is form 3231.

First time students in Georgia Schools are also required to have a ear, eye, dental and nutrition screen forms (form 3300).

According to TCDH Insurance may cover certain immunizations and services. Standard clinic fees will apply to vaccines and forms not covered by insurance.

Children may need these immunizations before starting school:

• Tdap
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) series
• Chickenpox
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Hepatitis A & B
• MCV4 (meningococcal conjugate vaccine)

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook, Instagram and X. For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app and add WALB as a preferred source on Google.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.