Middle School Entry Requirements for Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap)

Do you have a rising sixth-grader? If so, there is an important change in school entry requirements for tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap) that could result in Guilford County Schools (GCS) and other districts being forced to suspend students from school.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, all rising sixth-grade students and any child who will be 12 years old on or after August 1, 2008 who have not had a Tdap vaccination since July 2003 must have a booster shot before school starts.

“It is important for all children to be properly immunized prior to entering school,” said Robin Bergeron-Nolan, director of health services at GCS. “The district is working with the Guilford County Department of Public Health to communicate to parents about this vaccine requirement for rising sixth-grade students.”

In North Carolina, students are required to provide immunization records for certain diseases. If they are not vaccinated or provide the appropriate paperwork, then state law indicates that they are to be suspended from school. 

Parents can choose to go to their own health care provider for the immunizations or may contact the Guilford County Department of Public Health at 336-641-7777 for a free vaccination. For more information on Tdap, please visit http://www.immunizenc.com.