Health Department

Immunization Program

Immunization Services

This program provides immunizations for both children and adults. Routine childhood immunizations are provided to children free of charge along with tetanus shots for adults. Other immunizations are made available to children and adults including protection for such diseases as influenza and pneumonia.

The Immunization Program also works closely with pediatricians throughout Nashville to ensure that children age birth to 24 months are receiving the recommended series of immunizations.

Immunizations are available at the following public health centers:

Lentz Public Health Center
311 23rd Avenue North
(615) 340-5658
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Monday - Friday
Map

East Nashville Public Health Center
1015 East Trinity Lane
(615) 862-7916
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Monday - Friday
Map

Woodbine Public Health Center
224 Oriel Street
(615) 862-7940
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Monday - Friday
Map

Immunization Requirements for Metro Public Schools

All students entering Metro Public School system must have a TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IMMUNIZATION CERTIFICATE. These may be obtained from the Metro Health Department or local pediatricians.

The following immunizations will be required as of July 2010 (Tennessee Department of Health Rule Chapter 1200-14-1-.29):

Children entering Kindergarten:
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
    • 4 doses required*
    • One dose must be given after the 4th birthday*
  • Hepatitis B (HBV)
    • 3 doses required
  • Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV)
    • 4 doses required
    • Final dose must be given on or after the 4th birthday*
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella
    • 2 doses required
    • Usually given together as MMR
    • First dose must be given after 1st birthday, with at least 30 days between the first and second doses*
  • Varicella
    • 2 doses required (or history of disease)
    • Previously only one dose was required
    • Given after 1st birthday*
  • Hepatitis A
    • 2 doses will be required starting on July 1, 2011

Children entering 7th grade :
  • Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster (“Tdap”)
  • Verification of immunity to varicella
    • 2 doses required (or history of disease)

Children who are new enrollees in a TN school in grades other than K or 7th:
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
    • 4 doses required*
  • Hepatitis B (HBV)
    • Previously only for Kindergarten and 7th grade entry
    • 3 doses required
  • Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV)
    • Final dose must be given on or after the 4th birthday
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella
    • 2 doses of each
    • Usually given together as MMR
  • Varicella (2 doses or history of disease): previously only one dose was required

Children with medical or religious exemption to requirements:
  • Medical: Healthcare provider must indicate which specific vaccines are medically exempted (because of risk of harm) on the new form. Other vaccines remain required.
  • Religious: Requires only a signed statement by the parent/guardian that vaccination conflicts with their religious tenets or practices. If documentation of a health examination is required, it must be noted by the health care provider on the immunization certificate.

All children initially entering Metro schools must have a health examination.
Source: Tennessee Department of Health

*Detailed official guidance, including the immunization schedule and the new Immunization Certificate, will be made available no later than April 1 online at http://health.state.tn.us/twis/ or at the TDOH website: http://health.state.tn.us/CEDS/required.htm.

For additional information regarding immunization visit the National Immunization website.