Entering 7th Graders
Based on a recent decision by the Nevada Legislature and on updated recommendations from the Washoe County District Health Department, students entering seventh grade in the Washoe County School District will be required to show proof of immunization against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis prior to enrollment for the 2008-09 school year.
Pertussis (Tdap), also known as “whooping cough,” is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that can occur in places like middle schools, where there is close interaction among large numbers of students. Although most children are immunized against pertussis before enrolling in kindergarten, immunity wears off over time and leaves adolescents unprotected.
This new requirement affects all children entering seventh grade, provided at least five (5) years have passed since the student’s last childhood tetanus-containing vaccine (Td, DTP, or DTaP).
Parents are encouraged to review their child’s shot record and make arrangements with their health care provider for this vaccination prior to the busy back-to-school season this August.
For more information, contact your School Nurse or the Washoe County Immunization Program at 775-328-3724 or visit WashoeCounty.us/health.