Colorado Springs School District 11 Department of Special Education/ SCHOOL NURSING Students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grade need to have a Tdap vaccination Whooping cough -- also know as pertussis – is on the rise in Colorado. Pertussis is a bacterial respiratory infection that usually begins with cold-like symptoms and a cough. The cough progresses until the person develops coughing fits. Coughing spells may be followed by vomiting, breathlessness, change in facial color, and/or a high-pitched whoop. The cough may last as long as 3 months. Pertussis may be severe in infants and young children (especially those who have not had 3 doses of vaccine) resulting in hospitalizations, neurologic problems, and death. It may not be as severe in adults and in fully immunized children. For next school year, 2011-12, all students in 6th grade and higher are required to have the Tdap vaccination in order to attend school. Your child may have received a tetanus booster shot (DT or Td) recently. If that is the case then they must wait for two years before getting the Tdap vaccination. Please contact your pediatrician for directions, or the El Paso County Health Department Immunization Clinic (578-3272). Immunizations are required for school entry by Colorado State Law. If you have a personal, religious or medical reason why your child may not be vaccinated, you may sign a waiver form at school. Please be advised that if there is an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease -- such as pertussis or measles -- at your school, the Health Department may quarantine your unvaccinated child at home for a number of weeks. School District 11 is not obligated to provide homebound tutoring for children missing school for this reason. BEAT THE SUMMER RUSH! HAVE YOUR CHILD VACCINATED NOW! ¾
Your family doctor or pediatrician.
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El Paso County Health Department Immunization Clinic: 578-3272 for an appointment. Appointments are necessary. Bring shot record with child. Straight Medicaid is accepted. Cash, checks, VISA/MasterCard are accepted. No child will be turned away.
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Peak Vista Community Health Center: 632-5700 You must be registered with Peak Vista to be seen there. If your child qualifies, they will assist you with registration.
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The SET Clinic: 776-8850 For those without insurance, on Medicaid or their insurance does not cover immunizations (underinsured) - FREE Immunization Clinics , call for an appointment.
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Ronald McDonald Care Mobile will be at different locations. Please call Ms. Moorhead at 3282219 to schedule and appointment.
Gillian Graven RN, M.Ed., School Nurse Consultant Colorado Springs School District 11