New Immunization Requirement
for 6th Grade Entry
For more information, visit www.immunizenc.com.
A new immunization is now required for 6th grade
entry, beginning with the
2008-09 school year.
The new rule states that a booster dose of Tdap
vaccine is required for all children before entering 6th grade that are enrolled
in public school, or by age 12 for those not attending public schools
(i.e., private, religious, home schools) on or after August 1, 2008, if 5
years or more have passed since the last dose of tetanus-containing vaccine.
Tdap is a combination vaccine that provides protection
against three diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (commonly called
whooping cough). Please contact your health care provider or local health
department to schedule an appointment to receive this vaccine.
There is no cost for the Tdap vaccine, although your health care provider
may charge a small administration fee to give the vaccine.
Your child will need to bring proof of vaccination to
the school on the first day of 6th grade.
Acceptable proof of vaccination is a copy of the child’s Certificate of
Immunization. You will have 30 days from
the first day of attendance to present the required up-to-date immunization
record for your child. If proof of
vaccination is not provided by the end of the 30 calendar day period the child
will be suspended from school until he/she provides proof of immunization.
Do not delay!
Make sure your child is ready and up-to-date on his/her immunization prior to
the start of the 6th grade school year.