For the upcoming school year, all students entering school must have proof of Tdap immunizations on file with their school in order to attend. The only exemptions to the state law enacted last school year will be granted for a “Personal Belief Exemption” or a “Medical Exemption.” 

The vaccine requirement is being continued to protect students against the spread of Pertussis (Whooping Cough), a highly contagious disease that causes violent coughing fits making breathing difficult. An increase in whooping cough in 2010 across the state, with the most cases of the disease reported in 60 years, prompted passage of the school requirement. Schools have standardized procedures for granting filing exemptions, which are kept on file so that those students can be excluded from attending school in the case of an outbreak. Contact your child’s school for more information.