Have You Vaccinated Your Teenager Against Pertussis?
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School is starting—do all the teenagers in your house have their whooping cough booster shot? Sure?
With classes at most schools starting within the next two weeks, you are encouraged to make sure your children meet this new requirement. Without the booster shot, your child will not be allowed in school.
Find your children’s immunization record to see if they have received the pertussis booster shot, called Tdap, or take them to their doctor’s office, retail pharmacy, or one of the County’s seven public health centers to be immunized .
Another option is to go to one of 14 vaccination clinics organized by the County’s Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). The booster shots are administered on a first-come, first-served basis. For clinic hours and locations, visit www.sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.
“The clinics are a great opportunity for parents to vaccinate their children so that they can start school on time,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer.
A new law went into effect July 1 and requires all 7th through 12th graders—in public and private schools—to show proof of having received the pertussis booster shot to enroll in school.
In San Diego County, that means about 230,000 local students were required to show proof they have received the booster shot. School officials estimate that more than 42,000 still need to show proof they have received the booster.
While parents will have up to 30 days to meet the Tdap requirement once classes begin, Dr. Wooten recommends that everyone vaccinate their children now to avoid any class disruptions. Students who have not met the new requirement once the grace period is over will be sent home from school.
“Doctors’ appointments are filling up fast,” added Wooten. “We encourage parents to vaccinate their children now to avoid long lines and wait times.”
Last year’s pertussis epidemic established new records of whooping cough cases across the state, including San Diego County where 1,144 cases were reported and two infants died. This year, 343 pertussis cases have been reported to date.
HHSA has produced a 30-second public service announcement in English and Spanish on the new Tdap requirement.