To kick-off National Immunization Awareness Month in August, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding parents and health care providers of the new Tdap immunization requirement for the 2013-2014 school year.

All sixth- through twelfth-grade students are now required to show proof of receiving one Tdap vaccine, an immunization against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Students must either show proof of having received one Tdap vaccination, must have an appointment to get the vaccine or have an approved medical or religious exemption on file. Last year, only sixth- and ninth-grade students needed to receive Tdap. Students who received the Tdap immunization last year, or anytime since 2005, simply need to show proof of having received the vaccine.

Parents or health care providers wanting to inform other parents or health care providers of the new Tdap school requirement, can find ready-to-print posters on our website, as well as other immunization information at www.idph.state.il.us/about/shots.htm#back_to_school.