Law (AB 354) Requires Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Immunization for 7th-12th Graders

A new California law requires all students entering 7th through 12th grades to be immunized with a pertussis (whooping cough) booster shot called Tdap.

Pertussis is a very contagious respiratory disease that can be severe and last for months. The immunity received from either early childhood immunization or pertussis disease wears off over time, leaving older students and adults susceptible to pertussis. The Tdap booster shot can protect students, schools and communities against pertussis.

The new requirement affects all students in both public and private schools in California; this includes current students, new students and transfer students. For the 2011-2012 school year, all students entering into 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grades will need proof of a Tdap booster shot before starting school. For 2012-2013 and future school years, all students entering into 7th grade will need proof of a Tdap booster shot before starting school. Parents should check with schools for deadlines.

If you are a Parent:

If your child is entering 7th grade, make an appointment with your provider now to schedule a Tdap booster shot.
If your child has already received a Tdap booster shot, make sure you have a record of it that you can take to your child’s school when requested.
Frequently Asked Questions (English) (Spanish) (Hmong)

If you are a Health Care Provider:

Make sure that all children and adolescents in your care receive a Tdap booster shot and that this information is clearly documented in the child’s California Immunization Record “yellow card”.
Clinician Resources

Information for Schools:

Several tools are available to assist schools with the education, implementation, and administration of immunization requirements in California at www.shotsforschool.org
FAQ’s for Schools

Where to get a Tdap Booster Shot:

The best place to get a Tdap booster shot is from your health care provider. Please call your health care provider directly to schedule an appointment.

Tdap booster shots are available at a variety of clinics and pharmacies. (Please click here for more information) Please note that availability and price varies, please call directly for more information.

Tdap vaccine is available at both the Chico and Oroville Public Health Clinics for $17 (or at no cost with MediCal). For more information please call the clinic directly. The Chico clinic is located at 695 Oleander and the phone number is 891-2731. The Oroville clinic is located at 78 Table Mountain Blvd. and the phone number is 538-7341.

*Please bring your MediCal card for billing. If under 18 parent must be present to be vaccinated.

Additional Information:

For a complete website for parents, providers and schools devoted to the New Law (AB 354) please visit www.shotsforschool.org.

Additional information is also available at the California Department of Public Health Immunization Branch website www.getimmunizedca.org.

General information is also available on the Butte County Public Health Information Line at: 1-866-444-2405.

* For general information about Pertussis (Whooping Cough) click here.