There has been a dramatic increase in the number of cases of pertussis (commonly referred to as “whooping cough”) in California this year and 7 infants have died.  Fortunately, no whooping cough related deaths have been reported in Santa Clara County as of August 2010, but we have seen many more cases of whooping cough than usual.

Whooping cough is a vaccine-preventable disease.  The best way to stop this epidemic and keep it from spreading to babies is to get as many people vaccinated as possible.  Because the vaccine wears off with time, young people and adults should also get a shot for whooping cough.

If your child 10 years and older has not yet received the “Tdap” pertussis booster shot, please contact your doctor or health department.  Getting a booster shot now will protect your child against the ongoing threat of pertussis and meet a new school requirement that begins in the 2011-2012 school year (California Law – Assembly Bill 354).

Adults are also advised to get a pertussis booster shot, if they haven’t already, to protect themselves, their families and students.

For 2011-1012 School Year Only

All students entering 7^th through 12^th grades will need proof of a Tdap Booster Shot before starting school.  This requirement: