Wake County students get free Tdap vaccinations

“We want to make sure that it’s accessible to everyone in the county and by having these outlying regional clinics we feel that this gives everyone the closest location to go. It’s convenient for them to come after school,” said Susan Kroupa, a school-based public health nurse supervisor at Wake County Human Services.

Children who turned 12 on or after Aug. 1 are required by the state to get the Tdap vaccine, a combination booster that protects against tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis or whooping cough. If students do not get the shots within 30 days of the start of school, they can be suspended.

Lily Stanley was the first in line to get her shot at the Millbrook Human Services Center, where shots were offered on Monday. After the shot, Lily said her arm was still “kinda sore.”

Many parents said the free shots were not only convenient, but were easier than waiting to get an appointment at a doctor's office.

“She wasn’t going to be able to get in until December and she needed it by the end of this month. So this is wonderful,” Lily’s mother, Dalphaline Stanley, said.

“If you haven’t done it, do it…it’s fast,” said parent Candace Sherrod. “I thought we were going to be here a while, but (it took) no time at all.”

Shots will be administered as follows: