Greensboro, NC-- Sixth-Graders and their parents are being reminded about the required Tdap vaccination to remain in school.
Monday, Guilford County School said that 1,211 GCS sixth-graders have not provided their schools with documentation of the vaccine
School officials stress that those students have until Sept. 23 to provide the necessary documentation of getting the shot. Students who have not received the vaccine or provided documentation to their school will be suspended starting Monday, Sept. 26, in accordance with state law.
The law requires student to show proof of receiving the Tdap vaccine at the start of their sixth-grade school year or they will be suspended.
Parents can get their sixth-graders vaccinated at their family doctor's office or at the Guilford County Department of Public Health. According to the health department, appointment slots through Friday, Sept. 23 are filling up fast, but times are still available at both the Greensboro and High Point locations.
Tdap appointments at the health department are available every Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1100 E. Wendover Ave., Greensboro and 501 E. Green Drive, High Point. To schedule an appointment, call 336-641-3245. Spanish speakers in High Point can call 336-641-4591. Parents should bring their child's vaccination record to the appointment.
The state law went into effect in 2008 requiring all sixth-grade students to get an updated Tdap vaccination if five or more years have passed since their last dose. Tdap protects children from tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (more commonly known as whooping cough). Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person, while tetanus enters the body through scratches, cuts or wounds.
For more information click on Tdap vaccine.
Guilford County Schools