Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Information on whooping cough, including requirements for the Tdap vaccination and resources for local educational agencies and parents/guardians.Whooping Cough Vaccination Information
Assembly Bill 354 was signed into law in September 2010. As a result, students entering or advancing to grades seven through twelve in the 2011–12 school year are required to be immunized with a pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine booster called Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap). The new requirement goes into effect July 1, 2011, for one year and affects all students—current, new, and transfers—in public and private schools.
On July 1, 2012, AB 354 will require only students who are entering or advancing into grade seven to be immunized with Tdap. Immunization with Tdap can protect students who have not yet been immunized against the ongoing risk of pertussis and meets the forthcoming requirement for the 2011–12 school year.
Tools & Resources
Sample Parent Notification Letters
- Parent Notification (English)(DOC; Outside Source)
- Parent Notification (Spanish) (DOC; Outside Source)
Flyer for Students to Take Home to Parents About the New Requirement:
- "Shots Before School" Flyer - English(PDF; Outside Source)
- "Shots Before School" Flyer - Spanish(PDF; Outside Source)
Web Banner (Outside Source)
Schools can download and use this banner on their district Web sites or other documents.
Shots for Schools Webinar(Outside Source)
Archived one-hour Webinar for school nurses and other school staff on the new whooping cough (Tdap) vaccination requirement.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) (Outside Source)
Information from the California Department of Public Health on whooping cough.
Local County Health Departments Listing (Outside Source)
Parents should contact their health care provider for more information about the new whooping cough (Tdap) vaccination requirement.
Shots for School (Outside Source)
The California Department of Public Health's Immunization Branch provides news and information for schools, parents, and healthcare providers about school immunization requirements in California.
Notices & Letters
Pertussis Immunization Requirements February 1, 2011: Joint letter with the California Department of Education and the California Department of Public Health to County and District Superintendents and Charter School Administrators regarding new vaccination requirements per Assembly Bill 354.
