The North Carolina General Statutes (G.S. 130-A-152(a)) require immunizations for every child present in this state. Every parent, guardian or person in loco parentis is responsible for ensuring that their child (ren) receives required immunizations. If you have specific questions regarding your child, please contact your child's health care provider, your local health department, school nurse, or School Based Health Center. North Carolina immunizations requirements can be found at the following link: 
http://www.imunizenc.com/ParentsSchoolReqs.htm

Immunization Rule Changes Affecting Tdap and Mumps Vaccines

Effective Jan. 1, 2008, the administrative rule has been changed adding requirements for one booster dose of Tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis) vaccine to be given to the following age groups:

• All individuals attending public school who are entering the 6th grade on or after Aug. 1, 2008 if five years or more have passed since the last dose of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid.
• All individuals not attending public schools (i.e., private, home-school, non-traditional schools) who are 12 years of age on or after Aug. 1, 2008, if five years or more have passed since the last dose of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid
• Individuals enrolling in college or university for the first time on or after July 1, 2008. This administrative rule change also impacts mumps vaccination. Individuals will now be required to receive a second dose of mumps vaccine before enrolling in school, college or university for the first time on or after July 1, 2008.  Questions regarding these changes in the tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap) and mumps vaccination requirements may be addressed to your child's school nurse or by calling the Graham County Health Department at 479-7900.
• Rising 6th graders will have the opportunity to receive their booster at school.  Information letters and consent forms will be sent home with all present 5th grade students.