August 4, 2008
Sixth graders must have a TDAP shot before school starts
Time is fleeting and sixth graders must have the Tdap shot by the first day of school in order to enter either Central Academy Middle School or Read Mountain Middle School. Proof of vaccination must be on file prior to the student's entry in to school.
What is Tdap?
Beginning in 2006, students entering the 6th grade are required to have one dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis vaccine (Tdap), the first pertussis containing vaccine recommended for adolescents; achieving high coverage levels should reduce the number and size of school based outbreaks of pertussis (Whooping Cough) disease.
Summer break is almost and students just like these face problems going back to school without a Tdap shot prior to entering the 6th grade.
"Only two reasons can keep a child exempt, one is a religious exemption and the other is if a Doctor signs a note saying a child is not old enough, other wise the child should have the immunization and the form brought to the school prior to the first day." said Donna Price, guidance counselor at Read Mountain Middle School.
Have you waited a long time and now your child needs to get the Tdap booster prior to August 20? If you haven't time to schedule a doctor's appointment, then the Botetourt County Public Health Department is offering the shot on August 7 and 14 by appointment only. Remember, by state law every entering 6th grader must have the immunization before they can go to middle school. For an appointment, call 473-8240.
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