Whitmore Elementary School
Whitmore Elementary School
P.O. Box 10
30611 Whitmore Road
Whitmore, CA 96096
ph: 530-472-3243
fax: 530-472-1127
California Department of Health
EARLY ALERT TO SCHOOLS
Assembly Bill 354 Becomes Law
2011 Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Immunization Requirements for Students
For the 2011-12 school year only, all students entering 7th through 12th grades
Whooping cough (pertussis) has been widespread in California during 2010. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends that all Californians 10 years and older receive a booster shot against pertussis (also known as "Tdap"). Moreover, Assembly Bill 354, now chaptered into California law, requires students to be immunized against pertussis.
For the 2011-12 school year only, all students entering 7th through 12th grades will need proof of a Tdap booster shot before starting school. This requirement:
- Begins July 1, 2011
- Can be met by the CDPH recommendation to receive one dose of Tdap vaccine on or after the 10th birthday.
- Applies to all public and private schools.
- Does not affect students enrolled in summer school.
Beginning July 1, 2012, and beyond, all students entering the 7th grade will need proof of a Tdap booster shot before starting school.
Updates on this new law will be posted later in the 2010-2011 school year at www.getimmunizedca.org, which currently has general information about pertussis disease and immunization.
More Information
Adults are also advised to get a pertussis booster shot, if they haven't already, to protect themselves, their families, and their students.
Shasta County Public Health Department
2650 Breslauer Way
Redding 530-225-5591 or 1-800-971-1999
Immunizations hours 8-11 am Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday; 1-4:30 p.m. Monday & Wednesday and Thursday 4-6:30p.m.
Other News
This is a good time to check with your doctor regarding your child's immunization records Additional doses may be necessary to complete their polio series.
Tdap
Dear Parents and Guardians:
For the 2011-2012 school year, a new State law now requires that all incoming 12th graders get a whooping cough booster shot, called Tdap, before entering school. Students who have not received this booster shot prior to the beginning of the school year will not be allowed to start school.
We encourage you to contact your child's doctor now to schedule an immunization appointment. Many grocery stores and pharmacies also offer the vaccine, and Shasta County Public Health also offers the vaccine to those with no insurance or doctor. Some children may qualify for free immunizations through the Vaccines for Children Program.
Petussis, also known as whooping cough, is widespread throughout California. This vaccine can help keep your child and family protected.
For more information about the law and where to get shots, please visit www.shastahsa.net or call Shasta County Public Health at 225-5591.
We have enclosed a flyer with frequently asked questions that may help answer some of your questions. Spring break may be a good time to catch up on all immunizations that may need boosters or addition dosages.
Proof of immunization should be brought to the school office, a photocopy of proof will be added to your child’s cum file and they will be cleared for entrance to school in the 2011-2012 school year.
Thank you.
Copyright 2010 Whitmore Elementary School. All rights reserved.
Whitmore Elementary School
P.O. Box 10
30611 Whitmore Road
Whitmore, CA 96096
ph: 530-472-3243
fax: 530-472-1127
