There are many things parents have to worry about when sending their children off to school for the first time, from supply lists and back-to-school clothing to helping kids find their way around school and meeting their new teachers.

But there is one more important thing children are required by state law to have before starting school – immunizations.

The Alabama Department of Public Health has immunizations requirements for children in a school and child care setting. The different immunizations depend on the age of the child.

According to state law, “the public school board of education and governing authority of each private school shall require each pupil, prior to entering kindergarten or first grade or prior to re-entering the high grades of the schools of Alabama, to present a Certificate of Immunization for the prevention of diseases” specified by ADPH.

The Department of Human Resources has required each child 2 months of age or older attending any child care center or home to present a Certificate of Immunization as well. Immunizations can be given at a children’s pediatric clinic or at the Limestone County Department of Health.

ADPH specifies the diseases for which children are required to receive immunizations. They are as follows:

• Diphtheria;

• Tetanus;

• Pertussis;

• Polio;

• Measles, mumps and rubella; and

• Varicella, also known as chickenpox.

Children entering any child care center/home shall, in addition to the vaccines listed above, also receive age-appropriate immunizations for Haemophilus influenzae type B and pneumococcal disease.

However, not all children are required by state law to have immunizations. While the state of Alabama does not recognize moral, ethical or philosophical exemptions, children can be exempted from immunizations for religious or medical reasons.

A parent or guardian must submit a written objection based on the student or child’s religious tenets and practices to the Limestone County Health Department. Medical exemption can be provided by a licensed physician.

However, for those without exemption, the long-term gains of keeping children free of certain diseases outweighs the temporary discomfort.