Seventh-graders must complete immunizations by Friday, August 17
 Approximately 1,100 have not met state requirement yet

MURFREESBORO — Approximately 1,100 Rutherford County seventh-graders have not shown proof of the state-required immunizations and will not be permitted to attend school after Friday, August 17.

See below for the details about the required immunizations.

Rutherford County Schools has sent multiple messages to seventh-grade parents about the vaccination requirements, starting last spring with a message in all sixth-grade report cards, multiple direct messages from the district through phone calls and emails, through notices published on the district’s website and through various media outlets. In addition, middle schools have been contacting affected parents since the new school year began. 

Those students deemed “homeless” who have not obtained any required immunizations shall be referred to the school’s homeless liaison for assistance in obtaining their immunization record.

Rutherford County Schools also partners with the Mobile Health Unit, which provides free immunizations. The Mobile Health Unit will hold its next clinic at Bradley Academy in Murfreesboro on Friday, August 17, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Any parents with questions should contact the nurse at their child’s middle school or the Rutherford County Schools Health Services department at (615) 893-5812.

Immunization Requirements:

The state of Tennessee requires the following immunizations for entrance into the seventh grade: 

  • Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster (Tdap)—Tdap is required for 7th grade entry, it is not required if a Td booster dose was given in the 5 years before 7th grade entry. If your child receives a tetanus booster within 5 years of entering 7th grade, please ask the Healthcare Provider to give you an updated Tennessee Department of Health CERTIFICATE OF IMMUNIZATION for the school at the time of the shot.
  • Verification of immunity to Varicella (2 doses or history of chicken pox)—The Varicella requirement is for 2 doses of Varicella-containing vaccine or history of disease for all students entering 7th grade. It may be administered as single dose varicella or in combination as MMRV.