Tdap Vaccinations Required for Seventh Graders, Strongly Recommended for Other Students

You might want to add "getting shots" to your back to school planning.

The Johnson County Public Health department has sent out a media release reminding parents that students enrolling into the 7th grade this year are required to have a tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine booster. Iowa law requires that mandatory vaccinations take place before the student attends school.

This vaccine is not required for students beyond 7th graders already, but health officials are recommending it for any students, 8th-12th grade, who have not gotten it yet.

“Last year’s spike in pertussis (whooping cough) cases reminds us of the impact outbreaks can have on families and schools and the importance of vaccinations,” said JCPH Deputy Director, Tricia Kitzmann.

According to county health statistics in 2012 there were 138 confirmed cases of pertussis reported in Johnson County, which is 784 percent higher than the average over the last five years, according to the release.

“Keeping vaccinations up-to-date is critical in curbing outbreaks,” said Kitzmann. “The majority of cases last year were pre-teens, supporting the state’s requirement that incoming 7th graders have a pertussis-containing booster vaccination.”

Johnson County Public Health/JCPH is offering free Tdap booster vaccinations to any child regardless of income through September 30, according to the release. The county is accepting donations to offset costs of providing the free vaccinations. The number to schedule an appointment is 319-356-6045.

More from the release: 

Vaccination requirements are based upon recommendations from the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and are minimum recommendations to keep your child healthy. The best way to protect you and your family against vaccine- preventable diseases is to make sure your immunizations are up-to-date. Vaccinating on schedule means healthier children, families and communities. For more information about vaccinations, including required child care and school vaccinations, recommended adult vaccinations, and more, contact your health care provider or Johnson County Public Health at 319-356-6045. To learn more about the Tdap booster requirement, visit http://bit.ly/122xNKF.