NM Dept. Of Health Announces New Immunization Requirement For 7th Graders

SANTA FE, NM – Students entering the seventh grade at the beginning of the 2007-08 school year will be required to have a TDAP vaccine if it has been at least five years since their last tetanus shot.

The TDAP vaccine protects adolescents and adults against three serious diseases.

Tetanus causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. Diphtheria causes a thick covering in the back of the throat and can lead to breathing problems, paralysis and death. Pertussis, known as whooping cough, causes severe coughing spells and vomiting and can lead to pneumonia and hospitalization due to complications.

This is the first year that Tdap is required, which reflects the availability of a combination vaccine that will protect adolescents against pertussis, in addition to tetanus and diphtheria.

The New Mexico Department of Health encourages parents to get their seventh grader vaccinated this summer to beat the back-to-school rush.

Parents should call their provider and schedule appointments now if their child needs the Tdap vaccine.

Individuals who don nothave a health-care provider or health insurance can contact one of the Department of Health’s public health offices located in every county. The offices are listed in the blue pages of the state government section of the phone book