Rising 6th Grade Students Need Immunization Booster Prior to Enrolling in Middle School

While summer can be filled with fun and vacations, it is also time to check with your child's pediatrician to ensure that all required immunizations have been given in order for your child to attend school on August 25. All rising 6th-grade students must have a booster dose of Pertussis-containing vaccine (T-DaP) before the first day of school for 2009-10. This is a state-mandated immunization for all rising middle-school students, and proper documentation must be turned into the school nurse before August 25. If your child is exempt from the T-DaP for religious or medical reasons, proper documentation also is required and should be turned into the school nurse before the first day of school.

Remember, no rising sixth grade student will be allowed to attend school on August 25 without proper documentation that the vaccine has been given. If you have any questions about whether your child needs the T-DaP immunization, call your pediatrician's office or your child's middle school.

Routine immunizations for children, including this T-DaP booster, are provided free of charge through the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department at 1138 Rose Hill Drive. Health Department Immunization Clinics are held Mondays 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Thursdays 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon & 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  No appointment is necessary.  Call (434)972-6269 for more information.