All students entering 7th grade must provide proof of immunization against whooping cough (‘Tdap’) before starting school in the fall. In light of California’s recent whooping cough epidemic (also known as pertussis), there is no reason to wait for the new school year. It’s important that incoming 7th graders see their doctor and get immunized. Getting Tdap now will not only meet the new school requirement, but it will also protect children from the constant threat of pertussis.
This requirement applies to all public and private schools. Parents are being urged not to wait for the new fall school year, since there will be no grace period. According to the law, students will not be allowed to start school without proof of this vaccination. Parents of current 6th grade students are being asked to bring proof of vaccination as soon as possible to the health office at their child’s middle school.
If a child does not have health insurance, the Santa Clara County Health Department (976 Lenzen Ave., Suite 1500, San Jose 95126) is providing Tdap vaccines daily, only through March 29, 2013, on a drop-in basis from 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. The cost is $17.50.
For more information please visit www.ShotsforSchool.org or call the Santa Clara County Health Department at (408) 885-3980.
News Brief by Dagmar Paul, RN, MSN/District Nurse
