Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccine Requirement

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 were 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 went into effect July 1, 2011, for one year and affected all students—current, new, and transfers—in public and private schools.

On July 1, 2012, AB 354 required only students who were entering or advancing into grades seven through 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 met the requirement for the 2011–12 school year.

Tools & Resources

Frequently Asked Questions for Parents (English)
Available Translations of Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

Shots Before Schools Webinar (Flash)
Information and archived Webinars for school nurses and other school staff on the new whooping cough (Tdap) vaccination requirement.

Local County Health Departments Listing
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)
Information from the California Department of Public Health on whooping cough.

Shots for School
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.

Sample Parent Notification Letters

• Parent Notification Letter Elementary School (English) (DOC)
• Parent Notification Letter Middle and School High School (English) (DOC)
• Parent Notification Letter (Spanish) (DOC)