Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. During the 20th century pertussis was one of the most common childhood diseases and a major cause of death among children in the United States. After the pertussis vaccine became available in the 1940’s the incidence of this disease decreased more than 80%.
Whooping Cough starts with a cough and a runny nose for one to two weeks. It is followed by weeks to months of rapid coughing fits that end with a whooping sound. Children and young infants, especially, appear very ill and distressed. Vomiting and exhaustion commonly follow the episode. Click here to listen to the sounds of a child with whooping cough.
Adults usually experience a milder course of the disease, but can transmit the disease to children who are too young to be fully vaccinated and also to those who are under-immunized or unimmunized, and adolescents who are old enough for their immunity levels to have waned. Young infants have the greatest risk for developing life-threatening pertussis-associated complications.
The good news is that there are vaccines available for young children, adolescents and adults.
Law (AB 354) Requires Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Immunization for 7th Graders
California law requires all students entering 7th grade to be immunized with a pertussis (whooping cough) booster shot called Tdap.
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.
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. Some clinics and pharmacies also have Tdap available. Please call your health care provider, clinic, or pharmacy directly for more information.
The Butte County Public Health Department Clinic will be offering Tdap immunizations for a fee of $17 (while supplies last) on August 10th at 78 Table Mountain Blvd. in Oroville. Immunizations will be provided by appointment only, please call (530) 538-7553 to make an appointment.
Chico Unified School district will be providing Tdap vaccine for students in their district entering 7th grade. For more information please contact the Chico Unified School District at (530) 891-3000 ext. 138 or call the school your child will be attending.
The Feather River Health Center will be providing Tdap vaccine for students of the Paradise Unified School District. For more information please call (530) 872-2000.
Additional Information:
For a complete website for parents, providers and schools devoted to the 7th grade Tdap law please visit www.shotsforschool.org.
Additional information is also available at the California Department of Public Health Immunization Branch website www.getimmunizedca.org.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Audio/Video
Pertussis-Whooping Cough: A Family's Story (full video)
Help us to Silence the Sounds of Pertussis
Listen to the sounds of a child with whooping cough
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Links
California Department of Public Health Pertussis Website
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Materials