Dear 6^th Grade Parents,

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services has recently revised the law to include 2 new vaccine requirements for 6^th graders.

Diphtheria, Tetanus Toxoids and Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap):

Every child born on or after January 1, 1997, and entering or attending Grade Six or a comparable age level special education program with an unassigned grade on or after September 1, 2008, shall have received one does of Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) given no earlier than the 10^th birthday.

(Children who received a Td booster dose less than 5 years prior shall not be required to receive a Tdap dose until 5 years have elapsed from the last DTP/DTap or Td dose.)

Meningococcal Vaccine:

Every child born on or after January 1, 1997, and entering or attending Grade Six or a comparable age level special education program with an unassigned grade on or after September 1, 2008, shall  have received one dose of a meningococcal-containing vaccine, such as the medically-preferred meningococcal conjugate vaccine.  (Please note: This applies to students when they turn 11 years of age and are attending Grade Six.)

If your child will not be 11 years old on the first day of school, there is a one week grace period after the child’s 11^th birthday to bring in the documentation.  The student will have no problem starting school without the vaccines in this circumstance.

These ARE NOT new vaccines.  They are just new to this age group.

• Please get these vaccines BEFORE your child enters 6^th grade.
• Bring/send/fax/or scan documentation from your doctor to the school nurse.  The documentation must be stamped, signed and dated by the doctor.  There is no special form from the school.  (Fax: 609-466-7691 or Scan to: dsalvatore@mtsd.us)
• This must be done before your child starts 6^th grade in September.

THIS IS THE NEW LAW.  IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CALL THE NURSE AT 1-609-466-7604 ext. 3.