District Launches Tdap Vaccine Awareness Campaign

Rising Sixth-Grade Students Must Have the Vaccine before Aug. 25

Contact: Lekan Oguntoyinbo (336) 669-4328
Created: 3/18/2009 1:02:08 PM

Guilford County Schools (GCS) has teamed up with the Guilford County Department of Public Health to heighten awareness about a state law that requires rising sixth-graders in public schools to receive booster shots that protect them from three serious diseases.

The vaccination, known as Tdap, inoculates children against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (more commonly known as whooping cough). All three are spread by bacteria. Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person, while tetanus enters the body through scratches, cuts or wounds. A state law that went into effect early last year requires rising sixth-graders who have turned 10 and who have not received a Tdap vaccine since July 2004 to receive the shot before the next school year begins. The 2009-10 school year begins Aug. 25.

State law also requires schools to exclude students who have not received the shots. Last year, nearly 3,000 rising sixth-graders had not received the Tdap booster shot by the beginning of the school year. Approximately 400 of the sixth-graders were later excluded from school after the expiration of the 30-day grace period that followed the start of the academic year.

Unlike the previous year, appointment cards will not be accepted as substitutes for the vaccinations. Parents of rising sixth-graders are encouraged to get their children vaccinated before the deadline.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health will offer several weekend clinics as well as weekday clinics with extended hours in both Greensboro and High Point. Tdap booster vaccinations are available by appointment each day at the health department’s offices, which are located at 1100 E. Wendover Ave., Greensboro and 501 E. Green Drive, High Point. Call 641-5563 for a Greensboro appointment. Call 845-7655 for an appointment in High Point. Parents should bring a copy of their child’s shot record with them.

For more information about the Tdap vaccine, please visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com or go to www.immunizenc.com.

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About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.