In 2008, several changes were made to North Carolina’s immunization rules based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. These rule changes were designed to help reduce the incidence of pertussis (whooping cough) and mumps disease among North Carolinians.

These rule changes affect North Carolina's children, adolescents and teens. Though the responsibility of having the child immunized ultimately falls to the parent or guardian, schools are encouraged to do everything possible to reach the students (and their parents) who need to be vaccinated prior to elementary, 6th grade, or college entry.

Tdap Vaccine Requirement:

Administrative rule 10A NCAC 41A.0401 now requires one booster dose of Tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis) vaccine to be given to the following age groups:

• All individuals attending public school who are entering the 6th grade on or after August 1, 2008, if five years or more have passed since the last dose of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid
• All individuals not attending public schools (i.e., private, home-school, non-traditional schools) who are 12 years of age on or after August 1, 2008, if five years or more have passed since the last dose of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid.
• Individuals enrolling in college or university for the first time on or after July 1, 2008, if a tetanus/diphtheria toxoid or tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine has not been administered within the past 10 years.

Mumps Vaccine Requirement:

This administrative rule change also impacts mumps vaccination. Individuals are required to receive a second dose of mumps vaccine before enrolling in school, college or university for the first time. However, any child entering school prior to July 1, 2008 is not required to receive a second dose of mumps vaccine.

Resources/Materials:

Below are some additional materials that have been developed to help educate students, parents and school staff about the rule change. Please feel free to order these materials by faxing in the order form (found below) or by downloading the materials directly. All resources and materials are in format unless otherwise noted.

• Immunization Rule Change Materials Order Form

Materials for School Staff:

• Dear Principal/School Nurse Letter - Introductory letter, explains rule change
• What a Principal Needs to Know
• FAQ for School Nurses
• Q&A for Tdap Rule Change
• Crush the Cough Poster
• Modifiable Tdap Tracking Form

Materials for Parents/Guardians of Rising Kindergarten Students:

Materials for Parents/Guardians of Rising 6th Grade Students:

Materials for Media/Outreach:

• Sample PTA Newsletter Article (in Word format)
• Sample Press Release (in Word format)
• Sample Web blurb (in Word format)