 An Affidavit to Amend a Record is used to correct errors and not to change information on the certificate. It may be used to correct spelling errors, add information to blank items, and correct items 1A-11 only. See Correcting or Amending Certificates for more information. Sometimes, hospitals will incorrectly type date of birth or other information on an individual’s birth certificate (e.g. “female” for male, or “male” for female, etc.). Gender and health information can be corrected through the hospital. Changing information on the birth certificate (i.e. name changes, changing mother’s name, translating names into another language, or removing an informant or certifier) requires a court order. Court orders can be obtained through Superior Court or call 408-882-2100 for more information. Once a court order is obtained, you must complete an Application for Amendment of Birth Record to Reflect Court Order Change of Name. See Correcting or Amending Certificates for more information.
To add additional names where names already existed or to drop a name, a court order is required (see question above).
Most amended documents become a 2-page record. A 1-page certificate is only provided if the original has been "sealed and replaced" -- a process reserved for specific changes, like establishing paternity or adoption. If the mother was not married to the father of the baby and the father was not available to sign a Declaration of Paternity at the time of birth, the certificate will be listed without the father’s name. See question below for information on how to add the father’s name after the birth certificate has been prepared.
If the mother was married to the father of the baby at the time of birth, it may have been a hospital error. This can be corrected by completing an Application to Amend a Birth Record – Acknowledgement of Paternity and sending it along with a copy of your marriage certificate to the State Office of Vital Records. See Correcting or Amending Certificates for more information. If you were/are not married to the father of the baby, you can add his name to the certificate by completing a Declaration of Paternity in front of a qualified witness (from a local child support agency, family law facilitator, local registrar, or notary public). A second form, the Acknowledgement of Paternity should be completed. The original Acknowledgement of Paternity and a copy of the Declaration of Paternity, along with the appropriate fees should be mailed to the State Office of Vital Records. The original Declaration of Paternity should be mailed to the State Department of Child Support Services. See Correcting or Amending Certificates for more information. Yes, the certificates that our office provides are certified, legal documents. They can be used to obtain a passport, etc. (The commemorative birth records that the hospital provides are for keepsake only. Insurance companies sometimes accept a hospital birth record as proof of birth, when adding a dependent onto the policy.) For death certificates, it depends upon who needs them (e.g. foreign consulates, banking institutions, insurance companies, etc.), whether or not a photocopy will suffice, and whether or not it will be returned. Each financial/banking or other type of institution has different requirements for opening and closing accounts. Most institutions require an original certified copy, but some may require an Unrestricted copy. Check with each institution before making your purchase.
For birth certificates, a minimum of 1-2 certified copies is usually adequate. Keep in mind that birth certificates are used for passports, opening bank accounts, school enrollment, athletic league registration, and more. It is also a good idea to keep a copy in a secure location, in case of an emergency. There is no complimentary copy; you have to pay for all certified copies that you order. No, the original certificate is the property of the State. You are able to purchase a certified copy, which is a legal document. Our office is not set-up to receive orders or payment by telephone or fax at this time. Certain birth and death certificate orders can be placed online with a credit card through the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder for an additional fee. A faxed copy of a birth or death certificate is not a certified copy. Our office only provides certified copies of birth and death certificates in-person or through the mail. Yes, the birth and death certificates available from our office are copied onto security banknote paper with two seals (state and county) and serve as a legal document that can be used in a court of law. (Stamped, golden seals are no longer used or available in most recorder/registrar offices.)
An Apostille—authentication used outside of the USA—can be obtained through the California Secretary of State. Check with each country’s consulate or embassy to determine if you need one, and what that country requires for an authentication to be valid. No, the fees required to process the application for a birth or death certificate cover the cost of shipping, if applicable. For births or deaths, it takes from 1-3 weeks from the date of the event for the birth or death certificate to be ready. Mail-in requests take 1-2 weeks to process, whereas in-person requests are processed in 5-15 minutes. So, if you need it right away or do not want to pay a notary fee, come in to the office. If you do not need it right away or have mobility/transportation issues and do not care about a notary fee, mail in the request. It is best to apply through the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder or main Post Office nearest your locale that accepts passport applications. Passport agencies tend to have extremely long lines during the busiest months which result in longer waiting times for people applying in person at a passport agency. Since there are many more Clerks of Court and Post Offices conveniently located throughout the United States, these offices tend to have much shorter lines. See our list of local offices, or check the USPS website.If you have not received the social security number/card of your child 2 months after the baby’s birth, call 1-800-772-1213. For births or deaths, it takes about 1 ½-3 weeks from the date of the event for the birth or death certificate to be ready. Mail-in requests take 1-2 weeks to process, whereas in-person requests are processed in 5-15 minutes, if the record is registered. We do have Spanish-speaking staff available in our office. The hospital does not request or pay for a certified copy of a birth record. It is a parent’s responsibility to request and pay for a birth certificate through our office. If you sent in a request by mail, the certificate(s) will be sent back to you by mail. Normal processing time is 1-2 weeks, if the birth or death certificate is already registered. We are able to check if your certificate is ready to be ordered; Contact our office for more information. We are able to verify if amendments came in from the State; Contact our office for more information. Normal processing time is 1-2 weeks. If you sent your request more than 4 weeks ago and you have not received your order, we are able to check the date your application was processed and the date any applicable certificates were sent to the address listed on the application; Contact our office for more information. The Application for a Birth or Death Record is available on the Obtaining a Birth or Death Certificate page or in our office. The application is also available at birthing hospitals throughout the county. The In-Person application is designed for people who come to our office to request a birth or death record; they must have their signature witnessed by Vital Records staff. This will avoid a separate notary fee.
The Mail-In application is designed for people who cannot or prefer not to come into our office to request a birth or death record. If a person chooses to request a certificate by mail, a notary public must witness their signature when signing the application. A notary fee will be required.
When filling out an Application for a birth or death certificate, you must write out the requestor’s name in the Applicant section and the baby or decedent’s complete name in the Certificate section so we may locate the record. Our office is located at 976 Lenzen Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126, suite 1300, in between Alameda and Stockton Streets. Enter through the back east entrance. We are open to the public Monday—Friday 9am-4 pm, with the exception of County-observed Holidays. In 1996, California voters passed Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. Proposition 215 was passed to give seriously ill Californians the right to possess and use marijuana (also known as cannabis) for medical purposes, when they have a recommendation from a physician. Proposition 215 gives the patient’s primary caregiver the right to cultivate and possess medical cannabis for the patient. Proposition 215 defines a “primary caregiver” as “the individual who has consistently assumed responsibility for the housing, health, or safety of the medical cannabis user.” The Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program is a program of the State of California that was established following the passage of SB 420 that requires counties to administer a voluntary card registration program that identifies medical marijuana patients. A serious medical condition, as defined by SB 420, is any of the following: AIDS; anorexia; arthritis; cachexia (wasting syndrome); cancer; chronic pain; glaucoma; migraine; persistent muscle spasms (i.e., spasms associated with multiple sclerosis); seizures (i.e., epileptic seizures); severe nausea; any other chronic or persistent medical symptom that either substantially limits a person’s ability to conduct one or more of major life activities as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or if not alleviated, may cause serious harm to the person’s safety, physical, or mental health. Any person in possession of a valid MMIC shall NOT be subject to arrest for possession, transportation, delivery, or cultivation of medical marijuana in the amount allowed by SB 420 (unless there is reasonable cause to believe that the MMIC is false or falsified, the card was obtained by fraud, or the person is otherwise in violation of SB 420). Once you submit your completed and signed application form with the required documents (proof of residency, medical documentation, etc.) the Public Health Department has 30 days to approve or deny your application. Once the application is approved, the county program has five days to make the MMIC available to you. It can take 35 days to receive your MMIC if the application is complete. If any information or documents are missing, this may delay processing your application. If this is the case, the Public Health department will contact you within 30 days from the day you submit your application. Your application will be kept confidential and secure. The only release of your application will be with your written permission. This includes appeals of denied applications to the state MMP. (The Appeals Form contains a declaration and signature block regarding this release.) For information on possession limits please refer to Prop 215 and SB 420. Patients that exceed the limit risk being arrested and having to defend themselves in court. Despite the protections of Prop 215 and SB 420, patients may still be arrested if law enforcement suspects that they are outside the law; for example, by being involved in illegal sales or distribution or growing plants with excessive yields. Please contact the District Attorney’s office or your local law enforcement agency for current information. The MMICP is not authorized to provide information on acquiring Medical Marijuana or related products. No, any California resident that is a qualified patient can apply for an MMIC; however, you must apply for your MMIC in the county where you reside. Proof of residency is required. Yes. The attending physician must have a license in good standing issued by the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, but there are no residency requirements for the physician. No. To be a prescription it must be federally approved. As marijuana is not recognized as legal by the federal government, federal law criminalizes the use of medical marijuana. Yes, the current fee is $150 for each MMIC issued. Proof of eligibility and participation in the Medi-Cal program, presented at the time of application, qualifies a Medi-Cal beneficiary to receive a 50% reduction in fees. If the applicant qualifies for this fee reduction and is designating a primary caregiver, the fee for the primary caregiver’s MMIC will also be reduced by 50%. Application fees are non-refundable. Yes, appointments are necessary – walk-in clients cannot be accommodated.  - A completed original MMIC application (not a photocopy) Application Renewal Form CDPH 9042 (5/08).
- Government issued photo identification (i.e. California State Driver’s License, a California State ID Card, a United States Passport, a Veteran’s Administration ID Card).
- Proof that you live in Santa Clara County, for example, the current photo IDs listed above, or a recent utility bill, or a recent rental or mortgage payment receipt.
- Written documentation completed by your physician that states that you have been diagnosed with a serious medical condition and that the medical use of marijuana is appropriate or Form CDPH 9044 (1/09)-Written Documentation of patient’s Medical Records. (Your physician will be contacted to confirm that the medical documentation submitted by the applicant is a true and correct copy of your medical records in the physician’s office. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that an Authorized Release of Medical Information is on file with their medical provider).
- Non-refundable payment in the amount of $150 ($75 if you have proof of Medi-Cal benefits). (Only cash and money orders will be accepted).
- Your photo will be taken at the time of application
The primary caregiver, if any, will need to provide:
- Complete the appropriate section of the Application Renewal Form-CDPH 9042 (5/08).
- Government issued photo identification (i.e. California State Driver’s License, a California State ID Card, a United States Passport, a Veteran’s Administration ID Card).
- Proof of residency in the state of California
- A written statement documenting how the primary caregiver consistently assumes responsibility for the housing, health or safety of the patient
- An additional non-refundable payment in the amount of $150 ($75 if the patient has proof of Medi-Cal benefits).
- Your photo will be taken at the time of application
If an applicant applies for an MMIC for a primary caregiver, both the primary caregiver and the qualified patient must be present at the time of submission of the primary caregiver’s application. Yes. But only if your primary caregiver is the owner or operator of a facility providing medical care and/or supportive services to a qualified patient, he/she can designate no more than three employees as caregivers. Yes. However, if an individual has been designated as the primary caregiver by two or more qualified patients, the primary caregiver and all the qualified patients must reside in the same city or county. Yes. The primary caregiver must prove California residency and is further restricted to being the primary caregiver for only that patient. Yes, but that will restrict you to being the primary caregiver for only that patient. Yes, this is a statewide identification program. No. In accordance with State regulation, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department can only issue cards to residents of Santa Clara County. No. Possession and distribution of marijuana is a Federal offense and individuals in California in possession of marijuana for medical purposes have been prosecuted. In addition, individuals in possession of marijuana in quantities determined by local law enforcement officials to be greater than for personal medical use have been arrested and prosecuted. When the MMIC unique identification number is entered through the MMIC website, a “Valid Card” or “Invalid Card” response is generated. No other information is accessible. Yes, a minor can apply as a patient or caregiver. If a minor is applying as a qualified patient, they must be lawfully emancipated or of declared self-sufficiency status. If neither, the minor’s parent, legal guardian, or person with legal authority to make medical decisions for the minor applicant must complete Section 2 of the Medical Marijuana Program application.
- If a minor is applying as a primary caregiver, they must meet additional requirements including:
being consistently responsible for the housing, health, or safety of a qualified patient, or
- being the parent of a minor child who is a qualified patient.
- Photo of the cardholder
- Designation of “Patient” or “Primary Caregiver”
- A unique user identification number issued by CDPH
- Expiration date
- Name and telephone number of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department that approved the application
- A Web-based Internet URL that will enable state and local law enforcement officers, public and others to have immediate access to verify the validity of the card.
Qualified patient and primary caregiver cards are valid for one year from date of issue. If the primary caregiver card is applied for at a later date than the patient's MMIC, the primary caregiver MMIC will have the same expiration date as the patient's MMIC. No. Enrollment in the MMICP is voluntary. Santa Clara County Public Health offers this program as a service to people who wish to have the convenience of a credit card sized photo ID card that indicates they qualify as a medical marijuana user or primary caregiver under Proposition 215. To get a new card, you must reapply following the same procedures listed above. Show him or her your card as proof that you qualify for use of medicinal marijuana under Proposition 215. Applications can be obtained on-line or at:
Public Health Administration
976 Lenzen Avenue (Second Floor)
San Jose, CA 95126 No. The ordinance only applies to “multi-unit residences,” as that term is defined in the ordinance. These are common interest complexes (e.g., townhouse and condominium complexes) and rental complexes (i.e., properties for which 50 percent or more of the units are rented by or on behalf of the same landlord) that (a) are located within the unincorporated area of the County and (b) contain two or more units. However, the ordinance specifically excludes the following types of housing from the definition of a multi-unit residence:
- Hotels,
- motels,
- similar establishments in which the operator has the status of an “innkeeper”,
- mobile home parks,
- marinas or parts,
- detached, single family homes, and
- detached, single family homes with detached or attached in-law or second units permitted by law.
A unit is defined as a personal dwelling space, even that dwelling space lacks cooking facilities or private plumbing facilities, and it includes any associated, enclosed areas used exclusively by the resident, such as a private balcony, porch, deck, or patio.
A unit includes, for example:
- an apartment,
- a condominium,
- a townhouse,
- a room in a long-term health care facility, assisted living facility, or hospital,
- a room in a single room occupancy facility,
- a room in a homeless shelter, and
- a camper vehicle or tent.
When the ordinance goes into effect on December 9, 2010, smoking at multi‐unit residences will only be permitted in (a) designated smoking areas (described below) and (b) existing units. Existing units are units that have been or will be issued a certificate of occupancy on or before June 7, 2011. Beginning February 9, 2012, however, smoking at multi‐unit residences will not be allowed in any units, and smoking will only be permitted in designated smoking areas.
Under the ordinance, designated smoking areas at multi‐unit residences must meet the following requirements:
- be located in an unenclosed area,
- be located at least 30 feet in any direction from any operable doorway, window, opening, or other vent into an enclosed area that is located at the multi‐unit residence and that is a nonsmoking area,
- have a clearly marked perimeter, and
- be identified by conspicuous signs.
When the ordinance goes into effect on December 9, 2010, smoking at multi-unit residences will be prohibited in all common areas (except for designated smoking areas) and new units. Beginning February 9, 2012, however, smoking at multi-unit residences will be prohibited in all common areas, new units, and existing units.
Common areas include any enclosed area or unenclosed area of a multi-unit residence that residents of more than one unit of the multi-unit residence are entitled to enter or use. These include, for example:
- hallways and paths,
- lobbies and courtyards,
- elevators and stairs,
- community rooms and playgrounds,
- gym facilities and swimming pool areas,
- parking garages and parking lots,
- shared restrooms,
- shared laundry rooms,
- shared cooking areas, and
- shared eating areas.
New units include (a) units that have been or will be issued a certificate of occupancy after June 7, 2011 and (b) units that are rented for residential use for the first time after June 7, 2011.
General Requirements. No person with legal control over any nonsmoking area shall permit smoking in a nonsmoking area, and no person shall intimidate, harass, or otherwise retaliate against any person who seeks to ensure compliance with the ordinance. Causing, permitting, aiding, or abetting a violation of the ordinance shall also constitute a violation of the ordinance.
Prohibition on Receptacles for Smoking Waste in Common Areas. No person with legal control over a common area in which smoking is prohibited by law shall knowingly permit the presence of ash trays, ash cans, or other receptacles designed for or primarily used for disposal of smoking waste within that common area.
Required Signage. “No smoking” signs or the international “no smoking” symbol (consisting of a pictorial representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle with a red bar across it) must be clearly, sufficiently, and conspicuously posted and maintained at every enclosed building and unenclosed area where smoking is prohibited by law. To obtain signs, please contact the County of Santa Clara’s Public Health Department at (408) 793-2700 or email Francis.Capili@phd.sccgov.org.
Required Lease Terms. Every lease or other rental agreement for the occupancy of a new unit or existing unit in a multi-unit residence entered into, renewed or continued month-to-month after December 9, 2010 must include the following:
- A clause providing that it is a material breach of the agreement for the tenant, or any other person subject to the control of the tenant or present by invitation or permission of the tenant, to
- smoke in any common Area of the property other than a designated smoking area,
- smoke in a new unit,
- smoke in an existing unit fourteen months or more after the effective date of this ordinance, or
- violate any law regulating smoking anywhere on the property.
- A clear description of all areas on the property where smoking is allowed or prohibited.
- A clause expressly conveying third-party beneficiary status to all tenants of the multi-unit residence as to the smoking provisions of the agreement. Such clause shall provide that any tenant of the multi-unit residence may sue another tenant to enforce the smoking provisions of the agreement but that no tenant shall have the right to evict another tenant for a breach of the smoking provisions of the agreement.
The ordinance goes into effect on December 9, 2010. However, smoking in existing units at multi-unit residences will not be prohibited until February 9, 2012. Leases and other rental agreements for the occupancy of a unit in a multi‐unit residence that are entered into, renewed, or continued month-to-month after December 9, 2010 may be terminated, at the rental property owner’s option, if a tenant violates the smoking provisions of that lease or other rental agreement.
Residents, as third-party beneficiaries, may also seek a court order to enforce the smoking provisions of any lease or other rental agreement for the occupancy of a unit in a multi-unit residence that is entered into, renewed, or continued month-to-month after December 9, 2010.
Rental property owners, managers, and residents may contact the Sheriff’s Office ((408)808-4900) to report an individual who is smoking in violation of the ordinance. Violators may be subject to fines and/or prosecution.
The County may bring a civil action to enforce this ordinance, including, for example, administrative or judicial nuisance abatement proceedings, civil or criminal code enforcement proceedings, and suits for injunctive relief.
Yes. The ordinance does not prevent rental property owners from establishing more string non-smoking requirements. The ordinance does not apply to detached, single family homes or detached, single family homes with a detached or attached in-law or second unit permitted by law. Under the ordinance, designated smoking areas at multi-unit residences must meet the following requirements:
- be located in an unenclosed area,
- be located at least 30 feet in any direction from any operable doorway, window, opening, or other vent into an enclosed area that is located at the multi-unit residence and that is a nonsmoking area,
- have a clearly marked perimeter, and
- be identified by conspicuous signs.
“No smoking” signs or the international “no smoking” symbol (consisting of a pictorial representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle with a red bar across it) must be clearly, sufficiently, and conspicuously posted and maintained at every enclosed building and unenclosed area where smoking is prohibited by law. These signs do not need to be posted at every individual unit but must be posted in a manner that provides sufficient and conspicuous notice to all residents, visitors, and other individuals at the multi-unit residence. The prohibition on smoking in common areas does not apply to a person who is smoking in an unenclosed area while actively traveling on the way to another destination. Residents may receive additional assistance by calling the Santa Clara County Public Health Department at (408) 793-2700 or the Secondhand Smoke Helpline at (408) 999-0500. For additional information on the ordinance and resources on implementing a non-smoking multi-unit residential community, please contact the County of Santa Clara’s Public Health Department at (408)793.2700 or Francis.Capili@phd.sccgov.org. Santa Clara County Public Health Department Center for Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Tobacco Prevention Programs 1400 Parkmoor Avenue, Suite 120B, San Jose, CA 95126 Phone: (408) 793-2700, Fax: (408) 793-2731 www.sccphd.orgThe amount of radiation identified in the tests was ten thousand times below amounts that would pose human health concerns. California’s drinking water is not affected by the nuclear emergency in Japan. Tests have found no levels of radiation in the environment that pose public health concerns. Food grown in California and the United States has not been affected from Japan’s nuclear emergency and we do not anticipate an impact since the levels of radiation detected in air are extremely low. Food from Japan makes up less than four percent of food imports. Incoming cargo shipments are routinely monitored for radiation by U. S Customs and Border Protection. See the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website for more information. Passengers from Japan are being screened for radiation upon arrival in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that it is not aware of any travelers returning from Japan who have been contaminated with material at a level of concern. At present, all data from state and federal sources show that harmful radiation won’t reach California. California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is monitoring the situation, working closely with our federal, state and local partners. No harmful radiation. Distance, time, and weather are in our favor. Japan is 5,000 miles from California. Radiation levels lessen with distance and we don’t expect much above the amounts we see everyday. Precipitation removes radiation from the atmosphere. The typical North American exposure from natural background radiation is 2.0 millirem per day. A chest x-ray would expose an individual to 10 millirems. Radiation from Japan is expected to be thousands of times less than daily background radiation from natural and man-made sources—like the sun, air, soil, medical imaging, and life-saving therapies. A millirem is a dose of ionizing radiation. The average American is exposed to approximately 620 millirems of radiation each year from natural and medical sources. Given the thousands of miles between the two countries, Hawaii, Alaska, the U.S. Territories and the U.S., the West Coast is not expected to experience any harmful levels of radioactivity. In response to nuclear emergencies, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) works with state and federal agencies to monitor radioactive releases and predict their paths. CDPH Radiologic Health Branch maintains eight air monitoring stations throughout California. They are located in Eureka (2 units), Richmond, Livermore, Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles and San Diego. CDPH has increased surveillance from once a week to every 48 hours. The United States Environmental Protection Agency operates a network of air monitors in California and has recently enhanced its capability in response to the Japan nuclear crisis ( U.S. EPA has real time monitoring capability). California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has a plan for response to radiological emergencies, called the Nuclear Emergency Response Plan. This plan is exercised regularly with local and federal partners in the communities around our nuclear power plants. California does stockpile emergency supplies, including potassium iodide (KI) tablets. Potassium iodide tablets are not recommended at this time, and can cause significant side effects in people with allergies to iodine, shellfish or who have thyroid problems. Potassium iodide tablets should not be taken unless directed by authorities. Potassium iodide (KI) tablets may be recommended to individuals who are at risk for radiation exposure or have been exposed to excessive radiation to block the body’s absorption of radioactive iodine. Using KI when inappropriate could have rare but serious side effects such as abnormal heart rhythms, nausea, vomiting, electrolyte abnormalities and bleeding. No. Potassium iodide (KI) tablets are not recommended at this time, and can present a danger to people with allergies to iodine, shellfish or who have thyroid problems. No. KI is only appropriate within close proximity to a nuclear event. Using KI when inappropriate could have potential serious side effects such as abnormal heart rhythms, nausea, vomiting, electrolyte abnormalities and bleeding. The best thing anyone can do is to stay informed. California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and other state and federal partners are monitoring the situation. If circumstances change, officials will alert the public to appropriate precautionary procedures. But, again, at this time, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission reports Japan’s nuclear emergency presents no danger to California.
While California is not at risk of significant radiation from Japan, we are at risk of major earthquakes. People who live in earthquake prone regions should stock emergency supplies of food, water, and other emergency supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 3-5 days. Each year a new flu vaccine is created to protect against the top 3 strains or types of flu that are expected to be circulating for that season. There are many strains of flu and flu viruses are constantly changing. Since the strains change each year a person needs to get a flu vaccine each year to be fully protected against the strains that are expected to be going around for that particular year. Anyone 6 months of age or older should get a flu vaccine. The flu shot is available to anyone 6 months of age and older, while those over 2 years and under 49 years of age may be able to get the flu mist. Check with your health care provider about which type of flu vaccine is right for you. No, there will only be one flu vaccine this year, the seasonal flu vaccine. Yes, the 2009 H1N1 flu strain is expected to circulate and will be included in the seasonal vaccine this year. Also, the vaccine will protect against an influenza A virus (H3N2) and an influenza B virus. Yes, the seasonal flu vaccine this year will include the 2009 H1N1 flu strain and also two other strains that are likely to circulate. Therefore, in order to be fully protected against flu this season you will need to have a vaccine to protect against all 3 strains. In general, after you recover from flu you are protected against that one strain of flu but since there are many other strains, it is possible to get flu again. Therefore, it is important to a flu vaccine which will protect against all 3 strains that are likely to be circulating. No, it is common for the same or a similar strain to be offered in the flu vaccine the following year. A person will not have an “overdose” of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine if they get the seasonal flu vaccine this year and had a 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine or was sick with 2009 H1N1 flu last year. No, the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. It does, however, take two weeks for the vaccine to provide full protection against the flu, so it is very important to use other prevention methods such as washing your hands and staying away from those who are sick even after you have had a flu vaccine. Also, since cold and flu season are at the same time, it is sometimes easy for people to think they have the flu when really they have another illness such as a cold. Amendments to the County of Santa Clara’s Smoking Pollution Control Ordinance, passed in November of 2010, prohibits smoking:
- In, or within 30 feet of, outdoor services areas. Outdoor service areas include places like ATM and movie lines, bus stops, and outdoor dining areas.
- At unenclosed areas located within 30 feet of a doorway, window, opening or other vent into an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited.
- In 100% of rooms rented to guests & all outdoor areas at hotels, motels, & similar establishments, regardless of whether they are more than 30 feet away from an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited.
- At outdoor shopping malls.
- Within retail stores dealing exclusively in sales of tobacco & smoking paraphernalia.
- At all parks and trails owned, maintained or leased by or from the County, wherever located. Existing commercial leases shall be grandfathered in.
- At the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds.
- Within private residences that are used as child care, health care, or community care facilities, at all times, even when the residence isn’t being used as a child care, health care, or community care facility.
Amendments also require employers in the unincorporated parts of Santa Clara County to adopt a nonsmoking policy that conforms to the requirements of the ordinance and to communicate the policy to
employees within one week of adoption. The ordinance impacts businesses located in, residents living and working in, and individuals visiting the
unincorporated parts of Santa Clara County and certain County properties. Santa Clara County is made up of both unincorporated and incorporated land. The unincorporated areas
are governed by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, whereas, incorporated areas such as the City of San Jose, Campbell, Cupertino, et al are governed by their individual mayors and city councils. If you believe you are affected by the Smoking Pollution Control Ordinance, you should review the ordinance. You can view the ordinance, located at chapter V of division B13 of title B of the Santa Clara County Ordinance Code, at:
http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=13790&stateId=5&stateName=California
After looking over the ordinance you will want to determine any necessary adjustments and changes needed to comply with the ordinance. The ordinance does require that “no smoking” signs or the
international “no smoking” symbol be posted clearly, sufficiently, and conspicuously at every enclosed and unenclosed area where smoking is prohibited. . Additionally, the Public Health Department will be creating signage, combining the “no smoking” symbol with language for different provisions of the ordinance. This signage will be made available to businesses and affected sites. If you witness an individual smoking in an area where smoking is prohibited by the ordinance, simply ask them to stop and bring attention to the newly adopted amendments to the Smoking Pollution Control Ordinance. You are also encouraged to report any violations to the Public Health Department through our violations reporting call line at 408/885‐4466. Public health staff will follow up with property owners and/or businesses to encourage 100% compliance and to ensure appropriate signage is visible in prohibited smoking areas. The Smoking Pollution Control Ordinance is largely self‐enforcing. Through education efforts to residents and businesses and the posting of “no smoking” signs in the prohibited areas, smokers will become aware of the places where they can and cannot smoke. Likewise, nonsmokers will be informed about where smoking is not allowed and will have the support of “no smoking” signs to be able to ask someone to stop smoking. Along with these efforts it is necessary to have enforcement provisions, such as fines, placed in the ordinance. Part of what makes these laws self‐enforcing is that they are enforceable if needed. They are real laws with penalties and consequences for violation.
Santa Clara County Public Health Department Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Division Tobacco Prevention Programs 1400 Parkmoor Avenue, Suite 120B, San Jose, CA 95126 Phone: (408) 793‐2700, Fax: (408) 793‐2731 www.sccphd.orgTobacco retailers operating in the unincorporated areas of the County are required to submit an application for a tobacco retailer permit, pay any applicable fees, and meet certain requirements of the ordinance in order to obtain and maintain a tobacco retailer permit. The fees associated with the ordinance requiring tobacco retailers to obtain and maintain a permit in order to sell tobacco products in the unincorporated areas of the County cover the costs of administering and enforcing the ordinance. Administration and enforcement of the ordinance include, among other things, application processing, compliance checks, and merchant and community education. If a store owner or clerk is caught in violation of the ordinance, the tobacco retailer may be subject to civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include a fine, permit suspension, or a period of permit ineligibility. There is a state licensing requirement, but it does not effectively reduce illegal tobacco sales to minors. The Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act was passed in 2003 as AB 71 and codified under Division 8.6 (commencing with section 22970) of the Business and Professions Code. This Act created a statewide licensing program administered by the Board of Equalization that requires retailers to purchase a one-time state license. However, this law was intended to decrease tax evasion on the sales of cigarettes and tobacco products, and it does not address sales to underage youth. It is not unusual for businesses in California to be required to obtain a permit or license in order to conduct business, sell products or offer services. Business licenses and permits generally require an annual fee or payment. It also is not unusual for local governments to require special permits for businesses that provide particular goods or services. A fee can only be used to pay for the costs of the regulatory program for which is it being imposed. The fee revenue cannot be used for any other purpose. Whereas a tax might be used for any purpose, a tobacco retailer permit fee can only be used to pay for administration and enforcement of the laws regulating tobacco retailers. Tobacco retailer permit fees are not intended to be a punishment. They cover the costs of administering and enforcing laws regulating tobacco retailers. Tobacco retailers who violate the laws regulating tobacco retailers, however, may face civil and criminal penalties. A tobacco retailer permit requirement can’t eliminate all of the sources that minors use to obtain tobacco. But illegal sales to minors are a big part of the problem. This is a public health problem, and tobacco retailers need to be part of the solution. The ordinance prohibits retailers from selling tobacco products containing, as constitute or additive, an artificial or natural flavor (other than tobacco or menthol). However, the Board of Supervisors at their October 25, 2011 meeting acted to defer enforcement of Ordinance Code section A18-369(h) for a period of one year or until such time as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) takes further action on this issue or another jurisdiction implements a similar ordinance. No, tobacco retailers may not transfer their permit from one person to another or from one location to another. Whenever a new person obtains ownership in a business for which a Tobacco Retailer Permit has been issued, a new Tobacco Retailer Permit shall be required.
Santa Clara County Public Health Department Center for Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Tobacco Prevention Programs 1400 Parkmoor Avenue, Suite 120B, San Jose, CA 95126 Phone: (408) 793-2700, Fax: (408) 793-2731 www.sccphd.orgWhooping cough – or pertussis - is a highly contagious infection that easily spreads person to person. California is facing the worst whooping cough epidemic in 50 years, with more than seven times the number of cases reported this year as compared to last year at this time.
Whooping cough is a serious disease for babies. Adults and older children who have not had a booster shot for whooping cough can get the disease and then spread it to babies. Most babies get whooping cough from their parents or other family members and caregivers who aren’t vaccinated. That’s why it’s important for anyone who lives with or cares for a baby to get vaccinated. In adults, whooping cough can cause serious coughing fits that make it hard to breathe, and the cough may last for weeks to months. Babies under the age of 12 months have more serious illness from whooping cough than persons in other age groups. They are more likely to be hospitalized because of complications like pneumonia and convulsions, and they are more likely to die. Babies are at risk because their airways are still small and they are too young to be vaccinated or to have developed enough immunity yet from their shots.
That’s why it is so important to make sure everyone who is in close contact with babies is immunized against whooping cough. Please check with your doctor if you are pregnant or have just delivered your baby. You need to get the whooping cough shot for yourself and anyone else who is in close contact with your baby. This includes parents, grandparents, brothers or sisters, and caregivers. Whooping cough is most severe for babies, who most often get it from family or other caregivers who might not even know they have the disease.
- Babies less than 6 months old are at highest risk for serious illness from whooping cough and even death.
- More than half of babies less than 1 year of age diagnosed with whooping cough are hospitalized.
- About 1 in 20 babies with whooping cough get pneumonia (lung infection).
- About 1 in 100 babies will have convulsions.
- In rare cases, whooping cough can be deadly, especially in babies less than 3 months of age.
Older children, adolescents and adults are rarely hospitalized for whooping cough, however they may cough so hard they feel like they can’t breath, or they may vomit. The cough can last for as long as 10 weeks. - People with whooping cough usually spread the disease by coughing or sneezing around other people who then breathe in the whooping cough bacteria.
- Many of the babies who get whooping cough are infected by older siblings, parents or other caregivers who might not even know they have the disease.
Whooping cough symptoms can be different depending on how old you are or if you’ve been vaccinated. Whooping cough has three stages:
The whooping cough shot is safe, but it’s not 100% effective. Its protection wears off over time. Also people who have had whooping cough can get the disease again many years later. Many laboratories provide both the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and culture to test for whooping cough. The length of time it takes to get the lab result depends on the lab, the lab test, and how often the test is run. If you get antibiotic treatment when whooping cough symptoms first start, it can be helpful and may help to improve your symptoms. If you take them later, but still during the first three weeks of illness, they may not help with symptoms but can help stop the spread of disease by making you less contagious.
- If you or your child is having trouble breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
- Tell the doctor if you or your child has been around others with cough/cold symptoms or if you’ve heard that whooping cough is in your community.
- Antibiotic treatment can help prevent spreading the disease to close contacts (people who have spent a lot of time around the infected person).
Getting a whooping cough shot is the best way to protect you and prevent the spread of this disease to others (see vaccine recommendations below.) Also, remember to continue healthy habits such as covering your cough and washing your hands. Stay home when you are sick and keep young babies away from people with coughs. Anyone who is coughing or sick should stay away from young babies. - A series of shots for babies is given at 2, 4 and 6 months of age, and again between 15-18 months old. Kids should get another shot between 4-6 years of age. (DTaP)
- There is an adolescent/ adult whooping cough booster (Tdap) vaccine to prevent the disease once childhood vaccinations wear off. Pre-teens going to the doctor for their regular check-up at age 11 or 12 years should get the Tdap booster. Older adolescents and adults who have never had a Tdap shot should get one too.
The protection you got from the childhood vaccine fades over time. That’s why pre-teens going to the doctor for their regular check-up at age 11 or 12 years should get Tdap booster shot. Adolescents and adults also need a Tdap booster shot even if they were completely vaccinated as children, or even if they’ve had whooping cough. The easiest thing for adults to do is to get the Tdap shot in place of their next scheduled tetanus (Td) shot. Unlike the tetanus shot that needs to be taken every 10 years, adults need the Tdap booster shot just once in their lives. There is no need to wait until you are due for your Td booster—the dose of Tdap can be given any time. It's a good idea for adults to talk to a healthcare provider about what's best for their specific situation. - New mothers, pregnant women or women planning on becoming pregnant should get the shot. Talk with your doctor, and don’t risk spreading this disease to your baby.
- Fathers and family members such as brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins who spend time with babies under 1 year of age should get a booster shot.
- Nannies, caregivers, childcare staff and any others who spend time with babies should get a booster shot.
- Preteens going to the doctor for their regular check-up at age 11 or 12 years should get a booster shot.
- Health care workers need to get the shot to protect themselves and their patients.
- Anyone 7 years and older who is not fully immunized or is due for a booster should get a booster shot.
The whooping cough shot is safe and effective. However, its protection wears off over time and boosters are needed. No serious problems have been found in healthy babies, children, and adults who get the whooping cough shot or booster. Generally, it takes two full weeks for your body to build up enough immunity against whooping cough after your shot. If you develop a cough within two weeks of getting your shot, you might have already been sick, and you should avoid contact any infant less than 1 year of age and pregnant women. No, the whooping cough shot does not contain either thimerosal or mercury. At this time, there is no shortage of the whooping cough shot. No, you only need one (1) Tdap booster as an adult to protect yourself against whooping cough. Anyone 7 years and older who is not fully immunized or who is due for a booster should get a shot against whooping cough. By getting vaccinated, you protect yourself and help prevent spreading it to others. The sooner people get immunized, the better. It’s difficult to eliminate because getting the vaccine or the disease does not give you life-long immunity.
Since the 1980s, there's been an increase in the number of reported cases of whooping cough, especially among teens (10–19 years of age) and babies younger than 6 months of age. There are probably a number of factors that cause the increase, including fading immunity from childhood vaccines, increased detection of the disease, better testing and increased reporting.
In 2008, more than 13,000 cases of whooping cough were reported nationally, including 18 deaths. Most deaths occurred in babies who were too young to be fully vaccinated. In 2005, the last peak year, there were more than 25,000 reported cases of whooping cough. But, many cases of whooping cough are not recognized or reported so this probably does not show how many people had the disease. The number of whooping cough cases peaks every two to five years as the number of people vulnerable to the disease goes up. People who are vulnerable include:
- Babies and children who have not been fully immunized
- Adults and adolescents with fading immunity to the whooping cough shot
- Adults whose natural immunity to whooping cough has faded
It is too early to know. In past years, California has seen whooping cough peak during late summer. No, but those traveling to an area with a whooping cough outbreak should make sure they are up to date on their vaccines. People who are not vaccinated or who are under-vaccinated, including babies too young to get a shot are at risk for catching whooping cough. The Public Health Department is working with the medical community to provide information and guidance on who should get vaccinated and how to identify, test, treat and report whooping cough. The whooping cough shot is being offered at the Public Health Adult Immunization Clinic for people without insurance who live with or care for a baby.
Public Health is also providing information and materials to the public and medical providers. Parents should make sure their kids are up-to-date with whooping cough shots before school starts. That means kids entering kindergarten have had their 5th and final whooping cough shot, preteens who are 11 -12 should get a booster and anyone 7 years or older who did not finish their childhood series or who lives with a baby should also get a booster shot. Schools and parents can also work together to ensure that sick children stay home until they are well, and can encourage healthy habits such as washing hands often and covering coughs. |
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