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The Merced City School District has embarked upon a special pilot project to support student health and provide a convenient option for parents. The district is partnering with the Merced County Department of Public Health to bring Tdap (pertussis) vaccination clinics to all 13 elementary school sites that have 6th graders enrolled. These clinics are being held on various days during the month of March.
Students who are entering 7th grade during the 2017-2018 school year must show proof of having received one dose of pertussis containing vaccine (given in the form of Tdap, which is tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) after the age of seven. Many students in this age group have not yet received this vaccine.
The district provides outreach to parents with information about the need for this vaccination starting in December, but in years past there was often a “mad dash” in the two weeks before the new school year, as parents tried to schedule appointments for their children. Due to limitations in the ability of primary care providers to get students in on short notice, the Health Department often faced an overload of families during that time.
The district hopes the clinics this month will help to reduce the burden on families, school sites, and the Health Department. The vaccinations are being provided free of charge to students. Parents/guardians are only required to complete and return a consent form. Students will be seen at school, monitored for any vaccine reactions, and returned to class, with little time missed.
Consent forms have already been sent home to all families in the district with students currently in 6th grade. Anyone with questions about this program can contact their child’s school site.
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