New School Requirements for 2011 (AB 354)
The school entry law has changed in California. Under a new California law that takes effect on July 1, 2011, all California middle and high school students must show proof of vaccination against pertussis (whooping cough) for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year. All students entering into 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades will be required to show documentation of having received a ‘Tdap’ booster on or after their 7th birthday. The documentation of a Tdap booster must be received and verified by the school before the student starts school in the fall.
Pertussis (also called whooping cough) is a bacterial infection that can cause serious coughing fits that make it hard to breathe. Whooping cough has been increasing in the U.S. It continues to be widespread in California. Parents should know that the protection from childhood pertussis immunizations wear off and that adolescents and adults who have not had a Tdap booster can get the disease and then spread it to young babies who are most at risk of serious illness and even death.
The Tdap booster safely protects against 3 dangerous diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) and is a one-time booster shot. For the 2011–12 school year only, all teens entering into 7th through 12th grades will need proof of a Tdap booster before starting school. For 2012-13 and beyond, only students entering 7th grade will need proof of a Tdap shot.
This new requirement applies to all public and private schools.* To comply with the law and ensure that whooping cough doesn’t spread in our community, parents are encouraged to take these two important steps:
- Check your child’s immunization record. If your teen hasn’t had a Tdap booster anytime on or after their 7th birthday, get your teen vaccinated as soon as possible. Make an appointment with your teen’s regular health care provider for a Tdap booster, other vaccinations and a complete teen health check up.
- Provide your school with the documentation. The Tdap booster won’t count if your child’s school doesn’t have a record! Send a copy of your teen’s immunization record to the school before school gets out for the summer, or as soon as possible.
For more general information, visit
www.shotsforschool.org or call the Public Health Information Line at 408.885.3980
(To view Tdap Clinic Locations and Hours,
click here.)
* Despite the new state law that allows schools a 30-day grace period, parents are strongly encouraged to have their children vaccinated as soon as possible, to ensure students will not be denied access to school.
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