Starting July 1, 2007, children aged 11 years who are attending Grade 6 must show proof of Tdap vaccination if it has been five years since receiving a tetanus-containing vaccine (DTaP, DT, or Td).

 

Every school year the Tdap requirement will expand to include an additional grade until it includes all students attending Grades 6-12.

 

When parents bring their children in for vaccinations, use this visit as an opportunity to assess and educate them about other vaccinations recommended for children aged 11-12 years. This visit is also a good time to educate parents about vaccinations recommended for older adolescents and adults, especially those who have contact with infants, such as:

·        Post-partum parents

·        Grandparents

·        Child care providers

·        Health-care workers

 

For more information on the Tdap requirement, visit www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/immunize/schools.htm or call the Immunization Program CHILD Profile at 360-236-3595.

 

For more information on the Tdap vaccine, visit:

www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/immunize/providers.htm or www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/immunize/adolescent.htm.

 

A new adolescent immunization fact sheet is available online at: http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/immunize/documents/adolescentfactsheet.pdf. The fact sheet is designed to provide information to parents on all the recommended adolescent vaccinations.