>>>>>>>I still don't understand the logic. If you choose not to be immunised against a particular disease and everyone else has been then to whom do you pose a threat?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Once there is more than 1 person that didn't get a vaccination, there is a threat. Only if there is exactly one person that didn't get a vaccine in the entire world there is no threat to anyone (though we don't know if the vaccine is 100% effective).
>>>>>
>>>>>Don't think your argument holds up. If you choose not to be vaccinated then you accept the risk of getting the disease. You are still not a problem to those who did choose to be vaccinated.
>>>>>If, OTOH, the powers that be are aiming for the complete erradication of a disease it's a different story - it pretty much worked for, for example, chickenpox. But it's not going to work for Tetanus so why make it compulsory? The only argument in favour is similar the motor-cyclist/crash-hat argument.
>>>>>
>>>>>Best,
>>>>>Viv
>>>>
>>>>I think the real goal is to eradicate pertussis. It's highly contagious and lasts quite a while.
>>>
>>>I had to Google 'pertussis' to find out it was whooping-cough. Been there - done that!
>>>OK, I accept the argument that it is acceptable, in some instances, to enforce vaccination for all for the greater good. But I don't see how tetanus falls in that category?
>>
>>It doesn't, but pertussis is a part of the shot.
>
>I understand that. OK - let us accept hat there may well be a valid case for a whooping cough vaccine. But I don't see the same imperative for tetanus. Yet your government is using the one to foist the other. Me - I get the tetanus shot and I'm not too worried about whooping-cough. I might be wrong but it's my choice. I don't think I'm putting the rest of the populace at an increased risk. OTOH I might, at some stage, cost the government money to treat me for an otherwise avoidable illness - but if that's what they're worried about why don't they just own up and say so - or even better, pay me to have the jab in anticipation of the money they'll save <g>

Interestingly, it is a requirement:

http://www.immunizenc.com/Rule%20Change%20Info%20-%20School%20Nurses.htm

I was informed by my doctor (and the local news) that the vaccines are available at no cost at the health department. Out of curiosity, I phoned the health department and according to them, it is only free if you fall below a specific income level. I don't. It pertains to me because while my daughter is technically a senior in high school and will attend college fulltime in the fall of 2009, she is concurrently taking 2 college courses while in high school and requires the vaccine in order to attend. Crazy...

Anyway, my medical insurance pays for the vaccines.

Tdap Vaccine Requirement:
Effective January 1, 2008, the administrative rule, 10A NCAC 41A.0401, has been changed, adding requirements for one booster dose of Tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis) vaccine to be given to the following age groups:

All individuals attending public school who are entering the 6th grade on or after August 1, 2008, if five years or more have passed since the last dose of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid
All individuals not attending public schools (i.e., private, home-school, non-traditional schools) who are 12 years of age on or after August 1, 2008, if five years or more have passed since the last dose of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid.
Individuals enrolling in college or university for the first time on or after July 1, 2008, if a tetanus/diphtheria toxoid or tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine has not been administered within the past 10 years