Moms Talk Q&A: New Immunization Requirement for Teens

On July 1, a new immunization requirement became effective for the 2011-12 school year that affects all current, new and transferring students entering seventh through 12th grades.

These students must be vaccinated with the pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccine booster called tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap). Whooping cough is an extremely contagious bacterial infection that can cause serious illness and even death.

Students will be required to show proof of immunization to attend public and private school in August.

Starting with the 2012-13 school year and going forward, seventh graders must be immunized with Tdap, with limited exceptions.

According to the California Department of Education, immunization with Tdap can protect students who have not been immunized against whooping cough.

In recent years, immunizations have been blamed for rising cases of . Although the study linking the two has been discredited as an "elaborate fraud," some parents remain wary of immunizations.

"Autism is not caused by immunization," says who has been a pediatrician in Benicia for 34 years. "There has never been a study that has backed it up." He suggests that parents contact their pediatrician or family doctor if they have concerns. 

Parents can schedule vaccinations with their doctor or Solano County Public Health. Benicia pharmacies also are offering the vaccine. has lowered the cost to $58. More information on California school immunization requirements can be found at Shots for School.