Vaccinations against whooping cough encouraged
Last updated 12 hrs ago 
SACRAMENTO, CA - Health officials say whooping cough is an epidemic in California, with the state on pace to suffer the most illnesses and deaths due to pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in 50 years.
To address the epidemic, the Sacramento City Unified School District held a series of free vaccination clinics in collaboration with Vaccines for Children and the Sacramento County Public Health Department. More than 1,000 people were innoculated.
"If a child has had complete set of immunizations to enter kindergarten, then they are immune or very probably immune to pertussis or whooping cough," said school nurse Janene Griffin.
She says the real risk factor is for infants 6 months of age or younger because those children have not had a chance to complete their immunizations and build up their immunity.
"What we want to do is make a cocoon for these babies so their environment is safe," said Griffin. "We are really encouraging anyone who is caring for an infant 6 months of age or younger to get an