Assembly Bill 354 Becomes Law
Whooping cough (pertussis) has been widespread in California during 2010. The California Department of Public Health 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 receiving 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 implementing this new law will be posted later in the 2010-2011 school year here, which currently has general information about pertussis disease and immunization.