Attention Parents of 6^th Grade Students

SHOTS BEFORE SCHOOL

7^th Grade Requirement

Under the immunization law (Assembly Bill 354), California middle and high school students must be vaccinated against pertussis (whooping cough).  All students entering 7^th grade are required to show proof of a pertussis booster shot before starting school. 

The immunization law is intended to reduce the spread of pertussis among California‘s youth.  Most children are protected prior to kindergarten because of the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine, which is given to younger children.  However, immunity wears off and older children are at risk without a booster shot.

Students who do not have proof of a pertussis booster will not be able to start school until this requirement is met.

• If your child has already received a Tdap booster on or after their 7^th birthday, please bring proof of immunization to the school office.

• If your child has not received a Tdap booster, contact your health care provider or clinic as soon as possible.  Please bring proof of immunization to the school office.

All immunization records must be signed or stamped by a licensed health care provider or clinic to be accepted. The following vaccines containing the pertussis booster meet the new requirement: Tdap, DTaP, DTP.  Please note that the tetanus-diphtheria booster, Td or DT, does not contain the pertussis booster and does not meet the requirement.