Students must have the vaccine before the school year begins

Contact: Haley Miller (336) 370-3200
Created: 3/8/2010 4:45:40 PM

Guilford County Schools (GCS) is encouraging parents of rising sixth-graders to go ahead and get the Tdap vaccine, which is a requirement to enter sixth grade.

The vaccination, known as Tdap, protects children from 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 two years ago requires rising sixth-graders who have not received a Tdap vaccine since July 2005 to receive the shot before the next school year begins. The 2010-11 school year begins Aug. 25.

State law also requires schools to exclude students who have not received the shots. Parents of rising sixth-graders are encouraged to get their children vaccinated before the deadline.

Tdap booster vaccinations are available by appointment each day at the Guilford County Department of Public Health'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 or click on the link below.

http://www.immunizenc.com/