The Tdap immunization, commonly called the Tetanus and Whooping Cough vaccine, is a requirement for all students entering seventh, eighth and ninth grades for next school year (2015-2016). 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, known for uncontrollable violent cough, often makes it hard to breath. After coughing fits, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths, which results 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. Visit the Center for Disease Control's Pertussis/Whooping Cough page to learn more.
The best way to protect against pertussis is immunization. By state law, students must show proof of receiving the Tdap vaccine at the start of their seventh-grade school year or they will be subject to suspension. The deadline for compliance for next school year is Wednesday, August 19, 2015.
Richland School District Two is partnering with DHEC to provide Tdap immunizations in the middle schools for current sixth graders so they can meet the seventh grade requirement. Consent forms are going home Tuesday, March 3, 2015, and are due back to the school nurse Monday, March 9, 2015. Please contact Ms. Gladden at 691-6850 ext. 85410 with any questions or concerns.
Blythewood Middle School's Clinic will be on Tuesday, April 7th
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