Guilford County Department of Public Health will be holding special immunization clinics to administer Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine to children who will be entering the 6th grade or who are 12 years of age on or after August 1, 2008.  The clinics will be held at the 1100 East Wendover Avenue, Greensboro location and at 501 East Green Drive in High Point on Wednesday, June 25 and Friday, June 27 during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Please call 641-5563 in Greensboro or 845-7699 in High Point to schedule an appointment. The one-dose booster is free of charge.According to North Carolina law, children who are entering the 6th grade in public school on or after August 1, 2008 or who are 12 years of age on or after August 1, 2008, must have a Tdap booster shot if five or more years have passed since their last dose of this vaccine.

“Although we’ve just completed one school year, we are already thinking about the next one,” stated Merle Green, Health Director.  “We want to help parents get an early start to assure their children are prepared for school from a health standpoint.”

Tdap vaccine can protect adolescents and adults against three serious diseases.  Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are all caused by bacteria.  Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches, or wounds. Tetanus, also known as Lockjaw causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to “locking” of the jaw so the victim cannot open his mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in up to 2 cases out of 10. Diphtheria causes a thick covering in the back of the throat. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death.  Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough causes severe coughing spells, vomiting, and disturbed sleep. It can lead to weight loss, incontinence, rib fractures and passing out from violent coughing, pneumonia, and hospitalization due to complications.

For more information about Tdap, the special clinics or any childhood immunization, contact Guilford County Department of Public Health at 641-7777.