[CCHS] Fwd: FYI on pertussis vaccination and annual physical

[Louisa Coleman]

Louise Coleman
Concord-Carlisle High School
500 Walden Street
Concord, MA  01742
lcoleman at colonial.net
978-341-2490 x7101

----- Original Message -----



Could this information please be sent to the listserve?  Thank you.

	Pertussis (whooping cough) is a vaccine preventable disease that has
become increasingly common in adolescents.  The DTP or DTaP vaccine
(diptheria, tetanus, pertussis) received as a small child wears off over
time.  The Massachusetts Department of Public Health now recommends a new
vaccine, Tdap (tetnus,diptheria, pertussis) be given in place of the Td
(tetnus, diptheria booster) usually given before 7th grade.  Adolescents
who have already gotten a booster dose of Td are encouraged to get a dose
of Tdap for protection against pertussis.  "Waiting 5 years between Td and
Tdap is encouraged but not required" (CDC, Vaccination information
Statement 7/12/06).  Adults may also receive the Tdap.
	Attached is the DPH general pertussis advisory.  This is not the peak
season for the disease though cases do occur throughout the year.  It is a
great season for the vaccination.  Contact your health care provider to
discuss receiving this vaccine.
	As a reminder: Please send a copy of your child's annual physical to the
health office so they will be eligible for athletic try-outs. 
Massachusetts law requires physicals be updated for all students every 3
years.  Emergency cards for the 07-08 school year will be sent in the
summer packet.  These do need to be updated every year and are absolutely
essential in the care of your child at school.  You can mail them to me
directly or have your child give them to the homeroom teacher the first
day of school.

Have a wonderful summer.  


Christine V. DeBruzzi RN, MSN, NCSN
Concord-Carlisle Regional High School
500 Walden Street
Concord, MA.  01742

Phone 978-341-2490 x7158
Fax  978-318-1431

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