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All West Virginia students entering 7th grade are required to have had one dose of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) and one dose of the meningococcal vaccines before the start of the school year. Students entering 12th grade must also have had at least one dose of the Tdap vaccine and a booster dose of the meningococcal vaccine. If the first dose of the meningococcal vaccine was received after age 16, then the booster dose is not needed.
Although Tdap and meningococcal vaccinations are required for entry into 7th and 12th grade, they are recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for adolescents beginning at age 11. Parents are encouraged to have their children immunized after they turn 11, rather than wait until right before the start of 7th or 12th grade, to ensure that their child is fully protected from these vaccine-preventable diseases throughout their adolescence.
The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Pertussis is very contagious and can last for 10 weeks or more. If pertussis is transmitted to infants, it can be life-threatening. Young children are protected when they get the DTaP vaccine, but protection wears off as kids get older, so adolescents need the Tdap vaccination.
The meningococcal vaccine prevents meningococcal meningitis, an inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord that is caused by a serious bacterial infection. This infection can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities, amputations, and even death.
While Tdap and meningococcal vaccines are the only two immunizations required for 7th and 12th graders, the HPV and seasonal influenza vaccines are also recommended, although not required, for adolescents. The HPV vaccine prevents strains of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. HPV vaccines are given in three shots over 6 monthsâit is very important to get all 3 shots to be fully protected.
Vaccines are one of the most effective preventive measures available and have saved countless lives. The adolescent immunization requirements not only lengthen the time for which immunized students are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, but will also lower their chances of passing diseases to the infants, the elderly, classmates with weakened immune systems, and others.
Take your adolescent to their health care provider for a routine adolescent check-up to determine if your teen's shots are current and to meet the school entry requirements. Adolescents who are found to be missing shots can receive them during that visit. Teens without a family doctor or health care provider may visit a local provider, the Calhoun Health Department, Minnie Hamilton School-Based Health Center or a community health center for their immunizations.
These immunizations need to be completed prior to the first day of the 2015/16 school year.
For any questions please contact your health care provider or
Trudi Anderson RN BSN CSN
Calhoun County School Nurse
304-354-6148 ext 219
t.m.anderson@k12.wv.us
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