In 2006, the Virginia Assembly passed a law requiring all sixth-grade students to have had a tetanus, diptheria, pertussis (Tdap) booster shot within the past five years in order to enroll in school this fall.  Some physicians will not give this shot to your child until age 11.  Without proof of this immunization or physician documentation of why your child can not get the shot, your child will not be able to enroll in school for the 2010-2011 school year. 

Please review your child's shot record.  If the last shot was administered more than five years from the beginning of the upcoming school year, please have this immunization done now if your child is 11.  If waiting until summer, please be aware that many doctor offices may be full and you might not be able to get an appointment in time.  This shot may be listed as T, TD, Dtap or Tdap.  Call your local health department or school nurse if you have questions. 

Shots may be obtained from your doctor, military clinics, or health department.  You can send in the documentation to the school nurse NOW.  If you choose to wait, you will need to take the documentation to your child's middle school over the summer.