tdap school requirements

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So we had a new student from out of the country enroll into Jr. High from out of the country with no immunizations. Because she was 11 when she got her TDAP, the doctors office states that only one dose is required followed by a booster in 10 years. However, when looking at the CA ed code on immunization it says she needs 3 doses of either TDAP or TD to complete her series. Does anyone know what the official requirement is?

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Hi, welcome!

I don't know where you live, so here is the link to the CDC, state requirements.

State Vaccination Requirements | CDC

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

i run into this all the time. I have kids come from out of the country - get one dose of tdap - get maybe a follow up and then their doctors think that is the end of it. It takes jumping through hoops and lots of explaining to parents that don't speak the same language as me (Spanish I can muddle through - but I've gotten quite a few from China and Egypt) What I usually do is send a copy of the NJAC code high lighted with the vaccine requirement to the parent AND to the doctor. The parent usually has some sort of relation that can translate the memos to them. I also take it one step further and call the doctors office and let them know that the child needs to come in for another tdap or polio. I tell them that i will exclude from school, but stay pleasant and almost always the doctors office staff is willing to work with me.

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Specializes in School Nurse.

Minimum 3 doses for school in Texas - after a certain age they can no longer get Dtap, they need td. Sending state school requirement highlighted did the trick for me. The doctor did not want to do the 3rd dose - even called me - told her "I respectfully disagree, I will put in my system, but we will probably need this shot." Of course my system said delinquent, sent the paperwork highlighted, child got the shot. Done and done.

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Minimum 3 doses for school in Texas - after a certain age they can no longer get Dtap, they need td. Sending state school requirement highlighted did the trick for me. The doctor did not want to do the 3rd dose - even called me - told her "I respectfully disagree, I will put in my system, but we will probably need this shot." Of course my system said delinquent, sent the paperwork highlighted, child got the shot. Done and done.

I don't bother trying to educate the doctors - I will print out the state requirements and highlight - pointing out to the parent the blurb on excluding from school. I also give the parent the option to request the Exemption Affidavit and turn that in to me if they feel so strongly about following what their doctors have said - either way it doesn't matter to me as long as I have the correct documents in order. :)

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I don't bother trying to educate the doctors - I will print out the state requirements and highlight - pointing out to the parent the blurb on excluding from school. I also give the parent the option to request the Exemption Affidavit and turn that in to me if they feel so strongly about following what their doctors have said - either way it doesn't matter to me as long as I have the correct documents in order. :)

NY doesn't really exempt. You either get it or you're out.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
I don't bother trying to educate the doctors - I will print out the state requirements and highlight - pointing out to the parent the blurb on excluding from school. I also give the parent the option to request the Exemption Affidavit and turn that in to me if they feel so strongly about following what their doctors have said - either way it doesn't matter to me as long as I have the correct documents in order. :)

I'm with you. If I get something in writing from the MD indicating no further immunizations are required I stuff it in the file, note a medical waiver on the electronic record, and forget about it.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
NY doesn't really exempt. You either get it or you're out.

This is what I'd require if I was the state boss. If you want to attend public school you get the immunizations or pay for private school or move to some country that doesn't require immunizations.

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This is what I'd require if I was the state boss. If you want to attend public school you get the immunizations or pay for private school or move to some country that doesn't require immunizations.

We have beaches. Plenty of room for pink golf carts. Just sayin'.

I do like the way NY is so strict with it. It makes it easy to get it done.

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Just curious - so what do you do with those parents that are antivax or those delaying for whatever reason - do they just attend private school or homeschooled in the states without an official exemption?

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Just curious - so what do you do with those parents that are antivax or those delaying for whatever reason - do they just attend private school or homeschooled in the states without an official exemption?

They aren't allowed to be anitvaxx if they want to attend public school in NY.

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While it is true that NY is strict, I have still had to devote a ridiculous amount of time getting 2 of my K students on track with imms. Both parents are "ant vax" and will dig in their heels at every turn. They make then no show for appts., I send exclusion letter, REPEAT. It's insane. I had to involve our local Health Department for backup.

Both came to K with ONE vaccine on board. I say shame on their pediatrician!

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