Whooping Cough Vaccination Information
Assembly Bill 354 was signed into law in September 2010. As a result, students entering or advancing to grades seven through twelve in the 2011–12 school year are required to show proof of immunization with a pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine booster called tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap). The new requirement goes into effect July 1, 2011, for one year and affects all students—current, new, and transfers—in public and private schools.
On July 1, 2012, AB 354 will require only students who are entering or advancing into grade seven to twelve show proof of immunization a pertussis booster vaccine (on or after the seventh birthday). Immunization with Tdap can protect students who have not yet been immunized against the ongoing risk of pertussis and meets the forthcoming requirement for the 2011–12 school year.Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents (Outside Source)
Available Translations
of Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Parents Regarding School Tdap (Pertussis Booster) Immunization Requirements (Assembly Bill 354).
Pertussis Vaccine Requirement Video Message (Flash)
A video message from Tom Torlakson, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, on the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination requirement starting in fall 2011.
Shots Before Schools Webinar (Flash; Outside Source)
Archived one-hour Webinar for school nurses and other school staff on the new whooping cough (Tdap) vaccination requirement.
Local County Health Departments Listing (Outside Source)
Schools should contact their local health department for more information about the new whooping cough Tdap vaccination requirement. Parents should contact their health care provider if they haven’t yet received the whooping cough (Tdap) booster vaccine.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) (Outside Source)
Information from the California Department of Public Health on whooping cough.
Shots for School (Outside Source)
The California Department of Public Health's Immunization Branch provides news and information for schools, parents, and healthcare providers about school immunization requirements in California.
Web Banner (Outside Source)
Schools can download and use this banner on their district Web sites or other documents.
Sample Parent Notification Letters
- Parent Notification Letter Elementary School (English) (DOC; Outside Source)
- Parent Notification Letter Middle and School High School (English) (DOC; Outside Source)
- Parent Notification Letter (Spanish) (DOC; Outside Source)
Notices & Letters
Preteen Vaccine Week, February 12-18, 2012
February 10, 2012: Letter from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson to County and District Superintendents and Charter School Administrators regarding a statewide immunization campaign by the California Department of Public Health Immunization Branch that promotes adolescent health check-ups and immunizations for children eleven and twelve years old.
Implementation of the Pertussis Immunization Requirement
February 10, 2012: Joint letter with the California Department of Education and the California Department of Public Health to County and District Superintendents and Charter School Administrators regarding the implementation of the pertussis immunication requirement.
Pertussis Immunization Requirements and Implementation Strategies Letter
May 13, 2011: Letter from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson to County and District Superintendents and Charter School Administrators regarding the vaccination requirements per Assembly Bill 354 and suggested strategies for implementation.
Pertussis Immunization Requirements Letter
February 1, 2011: Joint letter with the California Department of Education and the California Department of Public Health to County and District Superintendents and Charter School Administrators regarding new vaccination requirements per Assembly Bill 354.
