March 2021

Dear Parent/Guardian:

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control wants to assure that all children and teens receive recommended vaccines to prevent disease. South Carolina law requires that all students entering 7th grade receive one dose of Tdap vaccine. The Tdap vaccine protects preteens and teens against three serious diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).

We are reminding you now, so that you have time to plan for your child to be vaccinated early, before the start of 7th grade. Talk with your child's healthcare provider now about vaccines he or she needs. Please make sure to get an updated SC Certificate of Immunization to give to your school nurse. This certificate is required by state law for school attendance.

The Lancaster County Health Department also provides teen vaccines. Call (803)745-5058 to schedule an appointment. For more information about vaccinations in South Carolina, go to

scdhec.gov /Health/Vaccinations

Please contact your child's school nurse with questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Leigh Anne Lever, RN

LCSD Lead Nurse

leigh.lever@lcsd.kl2.sc.us