KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - In just a few weeks, hundreds of East Tennessee students could be forced to stay home from school.
The reason? They didn't get their vaccinations.

A new law went into effect on July 1st, requiring new booster shots for all 7th graders, but the grace period ends on October 1st.

New Tennessee laws require 7th graders to get TDAP and chicken pox vaccines by October 1st.

But only a few kids in this Clinton Middle School geography class have had their shots.

"Raise your hand if you're a 7th grader. Keep your hand up if you've had your booster shot."

Only a few kept their hands in the air.

With the deadline fast approaching, Karen Bridgeman with Anderson County Schools says about 400 7th grade students in the district still need to get their immunizations.

"On Oct. 1st we cannot admit them to school unless they've had the booster shots and presented the proof."

Bridgeman says as a parent, you may simply not be aware your child needs the vaccines.

"Because these are brand new boosters, they feel like, my kids have had shots, I've gotten my paperwork in, they don't understand that this is a new requirement from the state."

Clinton Middle School Principal Bob Stokes says the new immunizations are for your child's best interest and safety.

"So these extra boosters just help us keep kids in school so they can learn and make sure we're doing our job educating our youth."

And since time is running short, if your child doesn't prove they have had their booster, they could face unlawful absence from school.

"To parents, I would implore them to get this done by Oct. 1st because I'm not allowed to accept their student in the building after Oct. 1st if they don't have those shots."

Remember, this applies to all Tennessee 7th graders. You will need to get paperwork from your doctor and turn it in to your child's school by October 1st.

You can get the immunizations at your family physician, or at your local health department.

To read more about the new booster shots, click on the link below.