Tdap Requirement Guidance from PA DOH Division of Immunizations 2019-2020

The Pennsylvania school immunization regulations require a dose of Tdap for students for entry into 7th grade or for entry into an ungraded class in the school year that the student is 12 years of age.

The school immunization regulations are based in part on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) schedule.  The 2019 ACIP schedule recommends the Tdap vaccine be given at age 11-12. This is the ideal and preferred age group for the administration of the vaccine.  We understand there are times when a 10-year-old who is up-to-date with vaccination may receive the Tdap dose.

Therefore, in addition to the ACIP notes about Tdap, the following will meet the Pennsylvania school immunization requirements:  a 10-year-old who is already up-to-date with vaccinations that intentionally receive Tdap due to receiving a school physical is considered to have received a valid and accepted dose that may be counted as the 7th-grade Tdap dose and does not need to have the vaccine repeated at age 11-12.

 Janine M. Strick, BSN, RN|  Nursing Services Consultant
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Division of Immunizations