The Oklahoma State Board of Health recently added a new vaccine requirement for seventh grade students. Since 2011, all seventh grade students must show proof of having received one dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine before attendance is allowed. To meet this requirement, an immunization record must be provided to the school showing the date your child received the vaccine and a signature or stamp of the doctor or clinic that provided the vaccine. If your child has already received this dose, they will not be required to receive it again. Please bring the record with you when you pre-enroll or enroll your child for the seventh grade.

Tdap vaccine is considered a booster to the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine that is required for Kindergarten entry. Tdap vaccine provides continued protection to students from three diseases: tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Whooping cough has been on the rise in the U.S., especially among pre-teens and teenagers 10 through 19 years of age and children under 5 years of age. All of these diseases can have very serious consequences including death.

Tdap vaccine is available from your doctor, clinic or healthcare provider.