Get Ready for the School Year with Vaccination & Screening Events this Summer

Don’t wait – that’s the message from the Coastal Health District this summer as local health departments organize vaccination and screening events for school-aged students.

“Kids may be in summer break mode, but this is really the best time to take care of the vaccinations and screenings they’ll need for school,” said Paige Lightsey, Immunization Program Coordinator for the Coastal Health District. “It can be hard to get an appointment once school starts and the clinics get super busy. We want to help you avoid that stress.”

Vaccinations and screenings are offered year-round, but several health departments in coastal Georgia are setting aside extra availability for school health appointments this summer to help beat the fall rush. A list of vaccination and screening events is attached to this press release and available at coastalhealthdistrict.org/backtoschool.

Children typically need booster vaccines when entering:

• pre-K/Kindergarten

• 7th grade

• 11th grade

Additionally, any child entering a Georgia school for the first time, regardless of grade, must complete vision, hearing, and dental screenings. Students who don’t meet immunization and screening requirements this fall may be unenrolled from school.

Most health insurance plans cover the cost of required vaccines, and health departments accept many insurance plans. Low-cost vaccination programs are available for uninsured children.

If you’re not sure if your child needs vaccinations or screenings, contact your county health department for guidance.

2026 School Vaccination & Screening Opportunities in the Coastal Health District

* Vaccines and school screenings are routinely available at all the health departments in the Coastal Health District by appointment. You do not have to wait until one of these events for screenings or immunizations. Also, if a convenient appointment is not available in your county, you may call surrounding counties for additional availability.

Note: If your child is transferring from another state, please bring their immunization records to the health department several days before their appointment. This gives staff an opportunity to transfer all the information into Georgia’s immunization registry prior to the health clinic event.

Glynn County

• Back to School vaccination and screening services are available as a walk-in service every day the clinic is open at the Glynn County Health Department. Walk-in hours are:

• Monday-Wednesday, 8am-4pm (closed 12-1)

• Thursday, 8am-6pm (closed 12-1)

• Friday, 8am-1pm

• Closed the last business day of every month for staff training.

• 2747 Fourth Street, Brunswick

• No appointment is needed.

• Back to School vaccination and screening services are available by appointment or as a walk-in service every day the clinic is open at the McIntosh County Health Department.

• Clinic hours: Monday-Wednesday, 8am-5 pm (closed 12-1), Thursday, 8am-7pm (closed 12-1), Friday, 8am-2pm

• Closed the last business day of every month for staff training.

• 1335 GA Highway 57, Townsend

• To schedule an appointment by phone: (912) 832-5473