Vaccine News for 7th Graders in Fall of 2012

August 2012

Dear Parent,

The Ohio Department of Health has added a new immunization requirement for students entering 7^th grade. Your child must get a booster dose of Tdap prior to the start of school in August. The p in the above vaccine is pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis is what we see outbreaks of in schools from time to time, thus we are hoping to prevent it. Most school age children need a booster of tetanus by the time they reach junior high, thus the combination vaccine. The only exception to this rule is if your child has a documented allergy or adverse reaction to pertussis in which case I would need a signed statement from the physician. If this is the case you still need to ask the physician if it is time for your child to receive a tetanus booster.

This booster is available at the Fairfield Department of Health, 1587 Granville Pike, across from OUL. You may schedule an appointment by calling 740-652-2800.

Your 7th grader must have this booster by the 10th school day of the 2012-2013 school year which begins in August 22, 2012.

Sincerely,

Debbie Wilson, RN

School Nurse/St. Mary School

**THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO BE PROVIDING THE MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE FOR A FEE. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MEMINGOCOCCAL VACCINE COST CALL 740-6752-2828.