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Tdap Booster Required for Sixth Graders

North Carolina law now requires a booster shot of Tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis) for all children entering sixth grade.

The Tdap vaccine booster is intended to protect against whooping cough (pertussis), tetanus and diphtheria. Without it, the protection from childhood immunization wears off over time.

Wake County Human Services recommends that parents talk to their child's doctor to find out whether the child needs a Tdap booster, make sure the child gets the shot before school starts, and take a copy of the child's shot record to school as soon as possible.

WCHS has more information in this handy flyer (English, Spanish), including contact information for their health centers in case a child does not have a health provider.

Tdap FAQs

1. What is Tdap?
   • Vaccine to protect against Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (whooping cough)
   • Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis are all caused by bacteria.
   • Diphtheria and Pertussis are spread from person to person.
   • Tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches, or wounds.
     
     
2. What are the 2 different Tdap products?
   • Boostrix and Adacel
   • Boostrix is for 10-18 year olds.
   • Adacel is for 11-64 year olds.
     
     
3. If a child has received one of the following tetanus containing vaccines within the last 5 years they are compliant and will not need the Tdap booster:
   • Tdap
   • Td
   • DT
   • Dtap
     
     
4. What date should we assess to see if it has been within 5 years since their tetanus-containing vaccine (see number 3)?
   • Students at year-round schools must have had their tetanus-containing vaccine between July 7, 2004 and July 7, 2009.
   • Students at traditional-calendar schools must have had their tetanus-containing vaccine between August 25, 2004 and August 25, 2009.
     
     
5. What if the child is repeating the 6th grade this year?
   • If the child was living in North Carolina, the child should have received the Tdap booster last year. They will not be required to receive another dose.
   • Check the child's record; they must have received a Tdap booster or a tetanus-containing vaccine within the last 5 years.
     
     
6. What if their doctor's office did not give them a Tdap because they were not 11 years old yet?
   • Some doctors' offices only carry one Tdap product. If they do not give a Tdap, the child must be referred to the local health department or find other means to receive the booster.
   • The Tdap requirement is not about age, but about 6th grade entry.
     
     
7. What exemptions are accepted?
   • Religious or medical exemptions only
   • Medical exemptions must be applied for through the State Health Director.
   • Religious exemptions must have a statement letter from the parent or guardian stating they want to be exempted from vaccine administration due to religious beliefs.
     
     
8. Are appointment cards accepted?
   • Appointment cards after the suspension or exclusion date will no longer be accepted. All children must provide documentation of receiving the Tdap booster prior to the suspension/exclusion date.

Wake County Public School System, 5625 Dillard Drive, Cary, NC 27518 | 919-431-7400