New Tdap immunization requirement
Beginning with the 2012-13 school year, all students entering grades 6 and 9 will need to provide proof of having received one dose of Tdap (defined as tetanus, diptheria, acellular perussis) regardless of the interval since the last DTaP, DT or Td dose. Please check with your health care provider.
Although the Tdap is required for students in 6th and 9th grades, it is highly recommended for all adults and students in the 6th grade and older.
For questions call the IDPH immunization program at 800-526-4372
Note, there is a difference between DTaP and Tdap!
Both vaccines contain inactivated forms of the toxin produced by the bacteria that cause the three diseases. Inactivated means the substance no longer produces disease, but does trigger the body to create antibodies that give it immunity against the toxins.
DTaP is approved for children under 7. Tdap, which has a reduced dose of the diphtheria and pertussis vaccines, is approved for adolescents starting at the age of 11 or 12 and adults ages 19 to 64. The pediatric formulations usually have 3-5 times as much of the diphtheria component than what is in the adult formulation. This is indicated by an upper-case "D" for the pediatric formulation (i.e., DTaP, DT) and a lower case "d" for the adult formulation (Tdap, Td). The amount of tetanus toxoid in each of the products is equivalent, so it remains an upper-case "T."
Although the Tdap is required for students in 6th and 9th grades, it is highly recommended for all adults and students in the 6th grade and older.
For questions call the IDPH immunization program at 800-526-4372
Note, there is a difference between DTaP and Tdap!
Both vaccines contain inactivated forms of the toxin produced by the bacteria that cause the three diseases. Inactivated means the substance no longer produces disease, but does trigger the body to create antibodies that give it immunity against the toxins.
DTaP is approved for children under 7. Tdap, which has a reduced dose of the diphtheria and pertussis vaccines, is approved for adolescents starting at the age of 11 or 12 and adults ages 19 to 64. The pediatric formulations usually have 3-5 times as much of the diphtheria component than what is in the adult formulation. This is indicated by an upper-case "D" for the pediatric formulation (i.e., DTaP, DT) and a lower case "d" for the adult formulation (Tdap, Td). The amount of tetanus toxoid in each of the products is equivalent, so it remains an upper-case "T."