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Posted by: thepinetree on 02/22/2011 10:59 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 02/22/2011 10:59 AM
Expires: 01/01/2016 12:00 AM
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New Pertussis Immunization Requirement For Incoming 7th – 12th Graders
San Andreas, CA...The Calaveras County Public Health Department is alerting parents and guardians of students entering 7th through 12th grade next school year of a new California immunization requirement. All students entering 7th – 12th grades must have a pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine booster before starting school. The new law goes into effect statewide with the 2011-12 school year...
Whooping cough occurred at record levels in California during 2010, resulting in 10 infant deaths. In Calaveras County, nine cases occurred in 2010. The disease continues to be present locally and in California. In response, Assembly Bill 354 was passed to require secondary school students to be vaccinated with a pertussis booster.
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“Whooping cough can be a very serious and sometimes deadly respiratory disease for infants and very young children,” stated Dr. Dean Kelaita, County Health Officer. Whooping cough spreads easily from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is preventable by vaccination.
Most school age children had a pertussis vaccine series before they entered kindergarten. Pertussis protection wears off over time. A booster is needed to continue protection for youth and adults and to protect those in the community who are at risk of serious illness or death. “The epidemic of whooping cough is partly due to the waning of vaccine protection in youth,” Dr Kelaita said. Youth and adults can spread the illness to infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated.
Pertussis Immunization Booster Requirements
For the 2011-2012 school year all students entering 7th through 12th grades will need proof of a pertussis booster (Tdap or pertussis containing vaccine) on or after the 7th birthday. Students will not be allowed to attend school until an immunization record is presented with proof of the pertussis booster (Tdap or pertussis containing vaccine).
After the 2011-2012 school year only students entering 7th grade will need proof of a pertussis booster (Tdap or pertussis containing vaccine) before starting school.
State law permits medical and personal belief exemptions. A new personal
beliefs exemption must be signed for the pertussis booster requirement.
By law, students who do not have proof of the pertussis booster will not be able to start school on time next year. The immunization requirement can be met by receiving the pertussis vaccine now and taking the immunization record to school. “The Public Health Department is urging parents to access the vaccine early and void the rush that may occur when school starts,” said Kelaita. A special Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine Clinic is planned for Tuesday, March 1, 2011 from 9:00 am - 6:30 pm at the Public Health Main Office, 700 Mountain Ranch Road, Suite C-2, San Andreas.
The Public Health Department also offers pertussis vaccine at their ongoing community immunization clinics. This schedule is available on the Public Health website, www.calaveraspublichealth.com or by calling the Public Health Department at
754-6460. No one is denied services due to inability to pay the $16 fee. A parent or guardian must accompany students to the clinics.
If families have questions regarding the vaccine or the school entry requirement, they can call the Public Health Department at 754-6460 for more information.
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