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Vaccine required for Illinois students to attend school

To be allowed in school, all Illinois students, grades 6 – 12, must have a Tdap vaccine.
vaccine shot

To be allowed in school, all Illinois students, grades 6 – 12, must have a Tdap vaccine.

By October 15, 2013 students must prove that they have either gotten the vaccine, have scheduled an appointment to receive one, or have an approved medical or religious excuse on file, according to the Rock Island County Health Department. If students do not comply with this requirement, they cannot attend school.

On Wednesday, August 14, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. the Rock Island County Health Department will have a walk-in clinic for anyone 11-years-old and up. Anyone under 18-years-old must have a signed parental consent.

Over the last six years, health department officials have seen an increase in pertussis (whopping cough) cases in Illinois. Of the reported cases, it seems that mostly pre-teens and teens have been infected.

Officials say pertussis is easily spread, passing through the air by someone talking, coughing, or sneezing.

The Tdap vaccine contains immunization for tetanus, diphtheria, and accelular pertussis. For questions about the walk-in clinic call 309-794-7080.

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