Pertussis Immunizations Nothing To Cough At

San Juan Unified School District representatives want to remind parents about vaccinating kids against whooping cough.

San Juan Unified Schools start back on August 22 and it is now state law for students entering grades 7 through 12 to show proof of vaccination against pertussis, or whooping cough.

This new state law was put into effect in July, after the passing of Assembly Bill 354, which was developed in response to an alarming outbreak of the highly contagious disease in California last year. More than 9,000 cases were reported in 2010, 10 of which resulted in infant deaths, making it the state’s largest outbreak of whooping cough in 65 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control website.

In order to meet the immunization requirements, students must have proof that they have received a Tdap booster shot since their 10^th birthday. After this school year, only students entering seventh grade will be required to show proof of vaccination. 

San Juan Unified School District encourages families to contact their health providers to make sure their students are up-to-date on vaccinations. The district also encourages adults to receive booster shots to further protect themselves and others from whooping cough.

Clinics have been and will continue to be available for eligible students. For more information on clinic dates and locations in the area, please call 916-726-5826.