Dare County Schools

All children in public school in North Carolina must have proof of proper immunizations.  All children in public school entering Kindergarten or 1^st grade for the first time must also have proof of a health assessment.  North Carolina Commission for Public Health has made changes to the rules regarding vaccination of school-aged children now requiring a booster dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis) for all students entering the 6^th grade.  It is required that all students entering 6^th grade will have this booster dose of Tdap.

The North Carolina state statutes G.S. 130A-152(a) requires the following immunizations.

• Five (5) doses DtaP with one of those doses being on or after the 4^th birthday; if the 4^th dose is after the 4^th birthday, the 5^th dose is not required.
• Four (4) doses of Polio with one dose on or after the 4^th birthday.
• Two (2) doses of MMR with the first dose on or after the 1^st birthday.
• Three (3) doses of Hepatitis B.
• One (1) dose of Varicella on or after 12 months of age if your child was born after April 1, 2001.
• One (1) dose of Tdap for children entering 6^th grade on or after August 2008.

Students who are new to Dare County Schools must show proof they are current on their immunizations on the first day of school.  Students entering Kindergarten must have proof of immunizations and a current health physical.  In addition, students who are entering the sixth grade must show proof they have received the Tdap booster.

Parents are advised to contact their child’s physician or health care provider or contact the Dare County Department of Public Health at 252-475-5003 for an appointment.

More information on required and recommended immunizations can be found at www.immunizenc.com.