April 17, 2012

Fifth-graders have about two months left before they leave elementary school for middle school. Now is the time for parents with rising sixth-graders to plan ahead for the Tdap vaccination requirement.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health will hold a special Tdap vaccination clinic this Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at two locations, 1203 Maple St., Greensboro and 501 E. Green Drive, High Point. There will be no out-of-pocket cost for the vaccine, but the health department asks that parents bring their insurance or Medicaid card. Appointments can be made by calling 336-641-3245 .

"We encourage parents to make plans now to get their children vaccinated before school starts in August," said Robin Bergeron Nolan, director of school health services. "If families can't make it to the health department's special immunization clinic this weekend, they need to make plans now to get the vaccine before the end of the school year or over the summer."

A state law that took effect in 2008 requires all sixth-grade students to get a Tdap booster shot if five or more years have passed since their last dose. Tdap protects children from tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (more commonly known as whooping cough).

By state law, students must show proof of receiving the Tdap vaccine at the start of their sixth-grade school year or school districts are required to suspend them from school.

Tdap is also available at family physicians' offices or by appointment Monday through Friday at the Guilford County Department of Public Health. Parents should bring a copy of their child's immunization record with them to the appointment.

For more information about the Tdap vaccine, visit www.gcsnc.com/parents/tdap.