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Dear Parents:
 
We are writing to alert you that Pertussis (Whooping Cough) has been identified in our building. The County Health Department and our school district physician, are closely monitoring the situation with us. Enclosed is some information about Pertussis from the Health Department. Most children have already been immunized against Pertussis. Prior immunization does decrease the risk of getting the disease. However, immunization does not guarantee that your child will not get the disease. Also, adults can and do get Pertussis.
 
This is a good time to review your all your children’s immunization status. Ideally your children have already received five Pertussis vaccines. Children under seven are still able to get Pertussis vaccines. If your child is not immunized against Pertussis, please discuss the current situation with your private health care provider. If you have any questions about any of your children’s immunizations, please contact your private physician or the County Health Department’s Immunization Clinic.
 
If you have any reason to suspect that your children may have Pertussis, please do not send them to school until you have discussed the matter with your private physician.
Children with Health Department confirmed culture-proven Pertussis require five full days of antibiotic therapy before they may be in school. Your children’s teacher(s) can assist you with arranging for missed schoolwork if any of your children feel up to doing homework while they are out ill.
 
If someone in your family has never received Pertussis vaccination, has an immune deficiency or serious chronic condition, please alert your private provider that the Health Department has confirmed Pertussis in our building. Since additional cases of Pertussis may be anticipated, this is the only notification you will receive. However, you will be advised of any other new developments as they occur. Please contact your school nurse or the County Health Department if you have specific concerns that this letter does  not address.
 
Sincerely,
 
Sherri Brown RN School Nurse