Iredell-Statesville Schools officials are reminding parents that two state requirements could stick unvaccinated students in a tough spot.

The N.C. Department of Public Instruction mandated that students entering sixth grade or college are now required to receive a Tdap vaccine (combined tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) if five years or more have passed since the last dose of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid.

Also, the state now requires kindergartners and college students to receive a second dose of the mumps vaccination. The requirements will take effect next school year, but I-SS wants to give parents ample time to immunize their children.

After the first day of school, parents have 30 days to show proof of vaccination or the student will be suspended from school.

I-SS Lead Nurse Karen Kerley said one of the requirements doesn’t affect kindergartners and college students much because many have already had the second dose of mumps. However, most sixth-graders will find themselves heading to the doctor’s office for a shot.

The new rules include:

Letters to high school students will be distributed in the coming weeks.

The district has set up sessions at Iredell County Health Department for students to receive the shots for free. The first session is in a week.

Once students have received the shots, they must show proof of the vaccinations, such as a copy of the certificate of immunization once school begins.

I-SS Chief of Operations Brady Johnson said they are notifying parents months in advance so they won’t be surprised once the start of school nears.

“It’s a requirement for the children to re-enter school,” he said. “This is something they need to get done between now and then.”

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