A gentle reminder that all sixth-graders students are required by state law to have received a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and a cellular pertussis) immunization prior to the start of sixth grade in September.
Not only is the immunization required for all students entering sixth grade, it also protects your child from pertussis (or “whooping cough”), a contagious illness that is of particular concern for infants and young people 10 to 19 years old.
Six graders who have not met the Tdap requirement by the first day of school in September will not be issued schedules and will be excluded from school until this immunization requirement is met.
The vaccines that prevent Meningococcal Meningitis (swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord) and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) immunization, which prevents the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers, are also recommended for children 11 to 12 years old. Please see your health care provider for more information about these recommended vaccines.
If your child is going into sixth grade in September and has not yet had the Tdap vaccine, it can be obtained from your doctor, military clinics and at these locations:
Alexandria Health Department, 4480 King Street (703-746-4888)
Free children’s immunization clinics by appointment only, except Mondays
Monday: 9-11 a.m. and 2-6 p.m.(Walk-in)
Teen Wellness Center, 3300 King Street, on the campus of T.C. Williams High School
Monday through Friday
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
No appointment needed