So, you’re thinking of enrolling your child in preschool? Congratulations! Studies show that children who have attended preschool typically do better when they enter elementary school. But even children enrolled in preschool must have received certain vaccinations before they may attend.

There’s no doubt that the subject of immunizations has been of great public debate in recent months and, while compelling arguments can be made by both sides, the reality is this: if you want your child to attend a Franklin, TN preschool, you must show proof of vaccinations.

Learn What’s Required Ahead of Time

Prior to attending any preschool or pre-kindergarten program in Franklin, TN, you’ll need to provide to the school proof from a licensed pediatrician or family doctor that the required vaccines for your child’s age have been given. It’s also important to note that you can’t get all the vaccinations at one appointment.

Some vaccines may just be a one-and-done thing, but there are others which are required to be given in a series, each at different ages. Additionally, some vaccines may need to be staggered or separated from others.

A word of advice: don’t think that you automatically know which vaccines are needed because you’ve had other children in preschool or pre-k program; requirements can change over time, even year to year. And if you lived somewhere other than Tennessee, you should know that what’s required may differ from where you lived before. So, make sure to find out what’s required in advance.

Which Vaccinations Are Required?

Following is a list of the vaccines needed for entering any child into any Tennessee preschool. If you’re in doubt, talk to the preschool your child will be attending, or ask your family doctor or child’s pediatrician.

• Hepatitis A and B
• Rotavirus
• DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis)
• Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B)
• Pneumococcal Conjugate
• Inactivated Poliovirus
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
• Influenza (IIV or LAIV) (seasonal flu vaccine) (recommended)

Find out from your doctor which vaccines are to be given in doses, how many and at what intervals. Because there are some which require several months between vaccines, ask early about the appropriate schedule of vaccines for your child. You should also ask what the side effects of each vaccine are and whether your child is at risk of any of the side effects. If he or she is, ask the doctor about a possible alternative.

Final Note About Health and Healthy Habits

While vaccines are to protect your child from getting and/or spreading diseases, there are simple things you can teach your children to help keep them healthy. These things include covering their mouth when they cough or nose when they sneeze. They should also be taught to wash their hands after covering their coughs and sneezes and even after they eat. These things are usually taught in preschool, but if you start early at home, it helps the overall learning process in preschool.

If you want more information about required vaccines before your child enters preschool or pre-kindergarten program in Tennessee, the State of Tennessee has a website that specifies each required vaccination and at what ages they should be given. That site can be located here: click here for that information. There is an additional website for vaccination requirements in Tennessee click here. Of course, you can always visit our website at https://childrensacademytn.com, or call us at our Franklin or Spring Hill locations.