Dear Parent or Guardian:

Immunization Requirements

Starting July 1, 2007, Washington State law requires that all children attending 6^th grade must show proof of:

• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccination if he/she is 11 years old and it has been five years since he/she received a tetanus-containing vaccine, like DTaP or a tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster.
• Varicella (chickenpox) vaccination, approximate date of illness, or results from a blood test that show he/she is immune.

Documentation

Your child needs an up-to-date Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) form (available at your child’s school) before the first day of school in fall 2007. Complete the form with Tdap and varicella information as follows:

Tdap	Types of Documentation Allowed
	Date your child received one dose of vaccine, OR
	Philosophical, religious, or medical exemption.
Varicella	Types of Documentation Allowed
	Date your child received one dose of vaccine, OR
	Approximate date or age your child had chickenpox, OR
	Date of blood test showing your child is immune to chickenpox, or
	Philosophical, religious, or medical exemption

A health check-up that includes vaccinations is recommended for all children age 11-12 years. Schedule your child’s check-up appointment at least one month before school starts to make sure they get all of the vaccinations needed for school.

Vaccine and Disease Information

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)

The Tdap vaccine protects teens against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). The vaccine is recommended for all children 11 years and older. Tdap should replace one tetanus booster. Pertussis is a very serious disease that causes coughing spells that make it hard to eat, drink, and even breathe. It can also cause pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death.

Varicella (Chickenpox)

Children are required to have one dose of the varicella vaccine to protect against chickenpox. Chickenpox spreads easily and can cause serious skin infections, pneumonia, meningitis, and even death. Even mild cases of chickenpox are uncomfortable; it is difficult to treat itchiness and there is potential for scarring.

Talk to your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic for more information on the Tdap and varicella vaccines, or visit: www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/immunize.

Sincerely,

(School nurse/principal)