Dear Parents and Guardians:  

Starting in fall 2013, all students in grades 6 through 12 will be required by Illinois state law to show proof they received the Tdap (combined tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) shot. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) issued this new requirement in response to an increase in pertussis, also known as whooping cough, among adults and children in our area.

If your child has not already received the Tdap shot, he or she will be required to have it updated before August 1, 2013.

We strongly encourage you to make an appointment with your child's doctor now, since clinics will have a heavy demand for appointments during the summer.

The updated health form that reflects this new requirement is available from the school nurse or online at http://www.isbe.net/school_health.htm . Please take this letter along with the new health form to your child's doctor appointment to minimize any confusion.

Please submit verification of this vaccine to the school nurse as soon as it is done. Acceptable documentation of the Tdap vaccination includes:

• A signed note or letter from a physician indicating the date the Tdap shot was administered
• A printed copy of your child's electronic medical record
• A copy of his or her school physical form (Certificate of Child Health Examination) that specifies the exact date of the Tdap shot

Students will not be able to enroll in school in August without the Tdap vaccine, unless they have an approved medical or religious exemption on file with their school.

If you have any questions regarding this requirement, please contact the school nurse.

Respectfully,

Dr. Creg. E. Williams
Superintendent