Schools

DHEC to Offer Free Whooping Cough Vaccine

Proof of vaccination is a new requirement for rising seventh-graders.

To help families fulfill a new requirement that rising seventh-graders provide proof of Tdap vaccines, the state health officials will provide a free clinic in each county in August.

Vaccines, which prevent whooping cough, will be provided to Dorchester County residents from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Citadel Mall, 2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, No. 200, Charleston. For more information, call (843) 953-0090 or 888-553-6844

Starting this school year, Tdap is a new school entry requirement for all incoming seventh-graders. Booster vaccinations are also recommended for pregnant women, child-care providers to infants and others who have not had Tdap or tetanus boosters in the past 10 years.

“Tdap is a booster to the whooping cough vaccine given to infants, and protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis,” said Dr. Riyadh Muhammad, pediatrician and state Department of Health and Environmental Control medical consultant, in a news release. 

“Unfortunately, protection against these diseases fades with time, and by age 10, the effectiveness of the original vaccine can decrease, causing the child to be more susceptible to these diseases. This makes the Tdap/whooping cough vaccine an important step in keeping children healthy.”


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