A new requirement from the Illinois Department of Public Health for the 2013-14 school year is adding one more thing to the back-to-school shopping list.
Illinois students in the 6th through 12th grades are required to receive one dose of Tdap vaccine (containing tetanus, diphtheria, and accellular pertussis). Students must provide proof of having received the vaccine, proof of having an appointment to receive the vaccine, or have an approved medical or religious exemption on file with the school system by October 15, 2013 or they will be excluded from school.
To assist in providing access to the vaccine, the Rock Island County Health Department will be providing a Tdap clinic on July 24-25, 2013 from 11 AM-7 PM at Rock Island High School, 1400 25th Avenue.
Students must have a signed parental consent to receive the vaccination. Adults may also receive the vaccine.
The cost of the vaccine is $16.75 for those students that don’t have insurance. If you have other questions about cost, you can call the Rock Island County Health Department at 309-794-7080 about payment options and insurance billing.
The same vaccine is required for Iowa students as well. Beginning for the 2013-14 school year, children entering 7th grade and above if born on or after September 15, 2000, shall receive a one-time dose of the Tdap vaccine. More information for Iowa requirements can be found by clicking here.