DURHAM, N.C. – Usually in mid-July, the immunization clinic lobby at the Durham County Department of Public Health should be filled with parents with rising sixth grade students, getting the required Tdap shot.

As of late on most days, clinic traffic has been light, giving clients more than enough options to sit and wait their turn.

For school nurse supervisor Clementine Buford, this is a troubling sign for the upcoming school year.

“With all of the responsibilities that parents and guardians have, often getting the Tdap shot seems to wait until the very last minute every year,” said Buford. “Although we offer Tdap clincs at all of the middle schools, we just can’t fit everyone in. This is why everyone should take full advantage of the additional capacity within the health department clinic before the back-to-school rush begins.”

The Tdap vaccine provides protection from Tetanus (Lock-jaw), Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Whooping Cough). All rising sixth grade students in North Carolina are required to provide proof of a Tdap vaccination within 30 calendar days from the first day of school or risk being suspended until the requirement is met.

“Suspension is bad for everyone…the student, the parents, school staff, and yes, even for school nurses,” said Buford. “We really don’t want that to happen, but after 30 days, it is beyond our control.”

Appointments for the Tdap shot can be made by calling the health department’s immunization clinic at 919-560-7608, from 8:30 a.m. until noon, and from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Depending on eligibility, some students may qualify for a free shot.

For more information about the sixth grade Tdap requirement or the services offered by the Durham County Department of Public Health, contact Buford at 919-560-7835 or e-mail cbuford@dconc.gov.

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