Powers Elementary School

The Ohio Department of Health has notified all school districts that the immunizations required for school attendance have changed for the 2010-11 school year. These changes will impact students entering kindergarten and 7th grade for the 2010-11 school year:

A. A Tdap or Td booster requirement for 7th grade;
B. The addition of the 2nd dose of Varicella (a progressive requirement starting with kindergarten for 2010); and
C. A requirement that the 4th dose of polio be administered on or after the 4th birthday.

The most significant change is the addition of a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) or Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster for 7th graders. Most children entering 7th grade in Ohio have not yet received the Tdap or Td booster; additionally, there has not been an immunization requirement for 7th grade entry since 1999. Of the two, Tdap is preferred because it provides vital protection against pertussis (also known as whooping cough). More information can be found on the Ohio Department of Health's website for school immunization requirements, www.odh.ohio.gov/odhPrograms/idc/immunize/imunchsc.asp.

www.ohiopirc.org