As the school year approaches, families are getting ready with new supplies, updated schedules, and the required immunizations. One of the most important vaccines for students entering 7th grade is the Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). These diseases are less common today than in the past, but they haven’t disappeared. Pertussis still spreads easily in schools, and tetanus and diphtheria can cause serious health complications. That’s why Mississippi requires all students entering 7th grade to have a documented Tdap vaccination before starting school.
What Does the Tdap Vaccine Protect Against?
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are three very different illnesses, but they share one important thing in common: they can all cause serious health problems if left unvaccinated. While childhood DTaP shots provide early protection, immunity can fade over time. That’s why the CDC recommends a Tdap booster at age 11–12 to help maintain protection through the teen years and into adulthood.
- Diphtheria – A bacterial infection that can cause breathing problems, heart failure, and nerve damage.
- Tetanus – Also called “lockjaw,” it causes painful muscle stiffness and can be life-threatening.
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – Highly contagious and dangerous for infants and young children, causing severe coughing spells that can lead to hospitalization.
When Should Students and Adults Get the Tdap Vaccine?
- Adolescents – A single Tdap dose is recommended at age 11–12, typically before starting 7th grade.
- Adults – Get a Tdap once if you didn’t receive it as a pre-teen, then a Td (tetanus-diphtheria) booster every 10 years.
- Special Situations – Pregnant individuals should receive a Tdap during each pregnancy to help protect their newborn.
Tdap vs. DTaP: What’s the Difference?
- DTaP is given to children under 7 in a five-dose series (2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15–18 months, and 4–6 years).
- Tdap has the same three components but in smaller doses of diphtheria and pertussis to suit older children and adults, with fewer side effects.
Even if your child completed the DTaP series, they still need the Tdap booster in adolescence.
Mississippi School Immunization Requirements
State law requires all students entering 7th grade to have proof of a Tdap vaccination, and proof of vaccination is needed for enrollment. For full details on school immunization requirements, please visit the Mississippi State Department of Health’s school immunization page.
Where to Get the Tdap Vaccine in McComb, Mississippi
Tdap vaccines are available at the Guy’s Medical Center location only. All vaccinations are administered by our on-staff Registered Nurse (RN) for safe, precise, and compassionate care.
Why families choose Guy’s Medical Center for Tdap:
- Same-day or walk-in availability—no long waits like at many pediatric offices.
- Local expertise in Mississippi’s school vaccine requirements.
- Option to bundle other recommended vaccines for adults during the same visit.
If your child is entering 7th grade, or you’re an adult who needs a tetanus booster, visit us at the Guy’s Medical Center location in McComb. Stop by or call ahead to schedule your Tdap vaccination—it’s quick, easy, and keeps you protected.
