Wake Encourages Early Tdap Booster Vaccines

4/23/2008

Wake County health officials are reminding all parents of the importance of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis) booster shots for middle school students, and that students entering the sixth grade are now required by state law to receive the shot. Materials, including posters and letters to parents of fifth-grade students, will soon be distributed through the Wake County Public School System.

"The new Tdap booster is important for rising sixth-graders to make sure they are fully protected against whooping cough throughout middle and high school," said David Damsker, Community Health lead physician for Wake County. "Parents should take advantage of this new requirement to make sure their kids are fully immunized and to get a physical exam."

Most rising sixth-grade students will need to visit their healthcare provider for a Tdap booster. Wake County Human Services recommends that children receive the vaccination as part of a full physical and that parents take this opportunity to consult with their family physician to make sure that all of their child’s immunizations are up to date.

After rising sixth-graders receive the Tdap vaccine, parents should provide their child’s school with proof of vaccination.

More information, visit www.wakegov.com/humanservices and click on the New Immunization Requirement for 6th Grade Entry button on the right side of the page.

 

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