Immunizations
Nurse Christi Reger BSN, RN
[email protected] 615-904-3885 ext 29720
At the beginning of 7th grade, your student will have to show proof of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis given after age 11) the 7th grade booster vaccine at any school in the State of Tennessee. The proof must be on the official Tennessee Department of Health Certificate of Immunization form. You can get it from you doctor, at the Rutherford County Health Department (please see RCHD immunization information below), and many local pharmacies and walk -in clinics.
If your child has already gotten it, please submit the form by email to [email protected] (preferred) and upload to Skyward, fax ATTENTION SCHOOL NURSE: at 615-904-3886, or you or your child can bring it to the nurse office in the school. The deadline is set every year by the county but is usually in the first 2 weeks. After which the child will not be able to attend school and will be counted as unexcused absences throughout RCS system.
THIS IS MANDATORY. IT IS STATE LAW.
**Exceptions will be granted to any child whose parent or guardian shall file with school authorities a signed, written statement that such measures conflict with one of the following:
His/her religious tenets and practices if in the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat of an epidemic; or
Due to medical reasons if such child has a written statement from his/her doctor excusing him from such immunization.
*Regardless of epidemic or pandemic status, religious exemptions related to vaccinations for COVID-19 or any variants will be accepted by RCS in compliance with state law, if RCS ever required such a vaccine. Furthermore, the enrollment of any student deemed homeless may not be denied or delayed because of the student's lack of a medical examination or immunization records.
Please see the Rutherford County Health Department Information below:
***Important Information: New to RCS students***
All New students: (NEW to Rutherford County Schools) Transferring FROM: 1) Out of the country, 2) homeschool or 3) private school are required to show proof of current up to date vaccinations on the Tennessee Department of Health Certificate of Immunization form PRIOR to school registration at any Rutherford County School. You must also provide proof of a physical with in the first 30 days of registration. (If your student has had one in the last calendar year you can submit that physical) You may email [email protected], fax them ATTENTION SCHOOL NURSE 615-904-3886 or Upload to Skyward or bring them to the nurse's office.
**Exceptions will be granted to any child whose parent or guardian shall file with school authorities a signed, written statement that such measures conflict with one of the following:
His/her religious tenets and practices if in the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat of an epidemic; or
Due to medical reasons if such child has a written statement from his/her doctor excusing him from such immunization.
*Regardless of epidemic or pandemic status, religious exemptions related to vaccinations for COVID-19 or any variants will be accepted by RCS in compliance with state law, if RCS ever required such a vaccine. Furthermore, the enrollment of any student deemed homeless may not be denied or delayed because of the student's lack of a medical examination or immunization records.
Please see the Rutherford County Health Department Information below:
Health Department - Homepage | Health Department - Rutherford County, TN (rutherfordcountytn.gov)
http://health.rutherfordcountytn.gov/immunizations
What times are you open? The Rutherford County Health Department is open Monday-Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm. The RCHD closes in observance of State of Tennessee holidays.
What are your walk-in hours? Walk-in clinic hours are Monday-Friday 8 am -10 am / 1 pm - 3 pm. This includes immunization walk in.
We moved to Tennessee and I am enrolling my child into school. How do I get the Tennessee form? Click here for the direct link.
Rutherford County Health Department has made it easier to get transferred and updated immunization records on to the Tennessee Department of Health Certificate of Immunization form. When submitting a request, please ensure that ALL REQUIRED fields have been completed. A clear copy of immunization and physical records will ensure a timely response. The response time could be up to 1-3 days.
https://secure.rutherfordcountytn.gov/vaccinations/transfer
**See files below for a list of clinics for vaccines and physicals, sample forms, and immunization requirements.