Whooping Cough (Tdap) Immunization Requirement

The Tdap immunization, commonly called the Tetanus and Whooping Cough vaccine, is a

requirement for all students entering 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades for next school year (2016-2017). Pertussis immunity wears off over time, so students in the targeted grade levels are required to have the vaccine to prevent the spread of Pertussis/ Whooping Cough.

Pertussis/ Whooping Cough is highly contagious and is spread via droplets from a simple cough. Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths which result in a "whooping" sound. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children and can be fatal, especially in babies less than 1 year of age. (http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html)

The best way to protect against pertussis is immunization. By state law, students must show proof of receiving the Tetanus shot/ Tdap vaccine at the start of their 7th grade school year or they will be subject to suspension. The deadline for compliance for next school year is Wednesday August 17, 2016.

Richland School District Two is partnering with DHEC to provide Tdap immunizations in the middle schools for current 6th graders so they can meet the 7th grade requirement. Parents, you should have received a consent on home Monday March 14, 2016. They are due back to the school nurse as soon as possible. Please contact your school nurse for questions or concerns.

Here are the dates and locations of the Tdap vaccination clinics:

Dent Middle	04-11-16	Longleaf Middle	05-10-16
Blythewood Middle	04-12-16	EL Wright Middle	05-13-16
Muller Middle	04-20-16	Kelly Mill Middle	05-24-16
Summit Middle	04-21-16