SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The Coastal Health District is reminding parents that students need updated vaccinations and screenings based on their grade before the first day of school.

In the state of Georgia kids typically need vaccines when they are about to enter pre-school or kindergarten, 7th, and 11th grade.

Also, if your child has moved to a Georgia school, they will need to provide records from a previous state as requirements for vaccines may vary, Chatham County nurse manger, Sierra Peebles told .

“Typically, going into kindergarten, all little ones need a booster of the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine,” Peebles said. “They also need an updated tetanus shot and maybe a polio. For our seventh graders, they need, again, another updated tetanus shot and meningitis. Then for our 11th graders, they need a meningitis booster, and they will be eligible for the HPV vaccine as well.”

Peebles said if it’s your child’s first time in a Georgia school whether because of a transfer or by going into pre-school or kindergarten they will have to take a screening, which includes vision, hearing, dental and nutrition.

The Coastal Health District also said that there is a religious exemption if needed, but stresses that vaccines and screenings are all about prevention.

“Vaccines are one of the greatest public health initiatives that we have to date and there’s a reason why we want your child to be vaccinated,” Peebles said. “It’s to prevent disease and illness.  You want your little one in school. You want them to learn and grow and develop properly. So, if you get them vaccinated, you don’t have to worry about your kids catching those illnesses or diseases They get to stay in school and then.”

The Coastal Health District has offered free school vaccinations and screenings for individuals who may need it. A full list of dates, locations and times are available here at their website.