DHEC to offer Free Vaccine to 7th Graders

DHEC is offering a free Blitz Clinic at the Shaver Complex in Seneca on August 13^th from 9am until 4pm to administer the Tdap vaccine.    Beginning with the 2013-2014 school year, all students entering seventh grade must receive or have already received a dose of Tdap vaccine on or after their seventh birthday to protect them from pertussis, also known as whooping cough.  Your child’s school will need a South Carolina Certificate of Immunization showing that he or she has received this newly required Tdap vaccine.  Students who have not had a Tdap booster shot may not be allowed to attend school. The Health Department in Seneca will also offer the vaccine to families with Medicaid at no charge and $13 to families with or without insurance on Thursdays. This is by appointment only.  The School District of Oconee County encourages parents to make an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider or call the health department to set up an appointment to get the required Tdap vaccine and other vaccines recommended for your child’s protection.