August 1, 2007

Dear Parent of a Sixth Grader:

The following is information about vaccinations specific to students entering sixth grade. If you have
questions, please contact your healthcare provider(s). Complete and return the Certificate of
Immunization Status to us by September 5, the first day of classes for the ’07-’08 school year.

This website provides a list of required immunizations:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/documents/vacreqschool07.pdf

For the required form to document the immunizations or document exemptions, go to:
http://www.ksd.org/Portal/Content/Resources/CertificateOfImmunizationStatus.pdf

1. HPV and Vaccination Information Available
We are required by Washington State law to inform you about the availability of information on HPV
disease (RCW 28A.210.080). General information on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, cervical
cancer, and the HPV vaccine is available on the Washington State Department of Health website at:
www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/immunize/schools.htm. A fact sheet with more detailed information on HPV
disease and the vaccine is also available from the Department of Health at:
www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/documents/hpvvaccinefactsheet.pdf


2. Proof of Tdap and Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccinations
Immunization Requirements
Starting July 1, 2007, Washington State law requires that children attending 6th grade must show proof of:

• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccination if he/she is 11 years old and it has been
five years since he/she received a tetanus-containing vaccine, like DTaP or a tetanus-diphtheria
(Td) booster.
• Varicella (chickenpox) vaccination, approximate date of illness, or results from a blood test that
show he/she is immune. New and returning a

Documentation
Your child needs an up-to-date Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) form (enclosed) before the first
day of school in fall 2007. Complete the form with Tdap and varicella information as follows:

Tdap Types of Documentation Allowed
Date your child received one dose of vaccine, OR
Philosophical, religious, or medical exemption.
Varicella Types of Documentation Allowed
Date your child received one dose of vaccine, OR
Approximate date or age your child had chickenpox, OR
Date of blood test showing your child is immune to chickenpox, OR
Philosophical, religious, or medical exemption
A health check-up that includes vaccinations is recommended for all children age 11-12 years.

Vaccine and Disease Information
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
The Tdap vaccine protects teens against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). The vaccine
is recommended for all children 11 years and older. Tdap should replace one tetanus booster. Pertussis is
a very serious disease that causes coughing spells that make it hard to eat, drink, and even breathe. It can
also cause pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death.

Varicella (Chickenpox)
Children are required to have one dose of the varicella vaccine to protect against chickenpox. Chickenpox
spreads easily and can cause serious skin infections, pneumonia, meningitis, and even death. Even mild
cases of chickenpox are uncomfortable; it is difficult to treat itchiness and there is potential for scarring.

Talk to your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic for more information on the Tdap and varicella vaccines, or
visit: www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/immunize.

3. Menincoccal Disease
As of July 2005 schools in Washington are required to provide information on meningococcal disease to
parents or guardians of all students entering grades 6-12.

Meningococcal disease is a serious infection of the brain (meningitis) and blood caused by a bacteria.
Fortunately, this life-threatening infection is rare -- only about 75 people are infected each year in
Washington. Adolescents and young adults are most likely to get meningococcal disease, especially those
living in group settings such as college dorms.

The Department of Health wants you to be aware of meningococcal disease and how you can protect your
child against it. A vaccine is available that can prevent up to 65 percent of meningococcal disease among
adolescents and young adults. The vaccine is recommended for all children 11-12 years. It is also
recommended for unvaccinated teens age 15 years and college freshmen who will be living in a dorm.
The meningococcal vaccine is not required for school or college attendance.

Here are some other ways to prevent the spread of meningococcal disease:
• Practice good hygiene (regular hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, etc.)
• Do not share items that may spread meningococcal disease and other bacteria and viruses, such as
eating utensils, glasses, cups, water bottles, drinks, lip gloss or toothbrushes.

We encourage you to learn more about meningococcal disease and how to prevent it. More information
on meningococcal disease is available on the following web sites:

• Washington State Department of Health Immunization Program
Meningococcal information: www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/meningococcal.htm

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Meningococcal vaccine information: www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/vis/vis-mening.pdf

Disease Information: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningococcal_g.htm

Fact sheets: www.cdc.gov/nip/vaccine/mening/mening_fs.pdf

• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center Meningococcal Questions & Answers: www.chop.edu/vaccine/images/vec_mening_tear.pdf

• National Meningitis Association Parent & Teacher Awareness Program:
www.nmaus.org/programs/pta/index.htm

Sincerely,

Jamie Estill
Head of School