Proof of Whooping Cough vaccine needed for 7th -12th entry next fall

[Karen Smith]

Parents have less than a month left to get information to schools

Starting this fall a new law requires all middle and high school st... to show proof of Tdap vaccination by the first day of school or the student will be sent home. In the fall of 2012, only seventh graders will have to show proof of vaccination.

Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis has been at record levels across California, resulting in ten infant deaths in 2010. This increase is due in part to adolescents having waning protection from their childhood vaccinations allowing them to easily spread the disease.

For the last six years, the Tdap vaccine has been medically recommended for adolescents but unfortunately, only 50% of teens have been vaccinated. “Making Tdap a requirement for school entrance should get the remainder of our teens vaccinated and prevent further pertussis disease and possible deaths in Monterey County” says Dr. Stallworth, Health Officer for the Monterey County Health Department.

Parents should take their children to their medical providers for a visit to get the vaccine. Although the new law requires only Tdap for middle and high school entrance, teens need other vaccines such as HPV and meningococcal. “Plus it’s a great idea for teens to see their providers in such a pivotal point in their development” says Stallworth.

If insurance is a barrier there are many other ways parents can track down the vaccine for their teens. Parents can go to the two Monterey County Health Department public health clinics at Alisal Health Center and Seaside Family Health Center.  These locations can get children into a public program that can help pay for all of the vaccines needed.

Special Tdap only clinics will be held by many different groups around Monterey County in the next few months. Depending on who is providing the vaccine, the vaccine will range in cost significantly. Some schools will be hosting Tdap clinics at their schools, pharmacists and other vaccinators like VNA and Maxim will be offering them at different venues.

Monterey County Health Department will be hosting six Tdap only clinics at three different locations this spring and summer. These clinics will be for middle and high school students only, ages 10 and up.  Students must come with their parents. Vaccine will be free. Please bring your student’s yellow card.

Monterey County Health Department Free Tdap only Clinics:           Clinic Date Flyer -  English   Spanish

• Saturday 5/14/11 from 2:00 pm-7:00 pm- Seaside Family Health Center - 1150 Freemont Blvd, Seaside
• Saturday 5/21/11 from 2:00 pm-7:00 pm- Alisal Health Center - 559 East Alisal St, Salinas
• Saturday 6/4/11 from 2:00 pm-7:00 pm- King City Health Department - 620 Broadway St, King City
• Saturday 7/23/11 from 2:00 pm-7:00 pm- Seaside Family Health Center - 1150 Freemont Blvd, Seaside
• Saturday 7/30/11 from 2:00 pm-7:00 pm- Alisal Health Center - 559 East Alisal St, Salinas
• Saturday 8/6/11 from 2:00 pm-7:00 pm- King City Health Department - 620 Broadway St, King City

 Monterey County Health Department  Walk-in Vaccine Services:

M-F 8:00 to 11:00 am and 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Alisal Health Center, 559 East Alisal St, Salinas - 769-8870

Seaside Family Health Center, 1150 Freemont Blvd, Seaside - 899-8100

All recommended immunizations available (except for travel vaccines). Time slots available on a first come first serve basis. Offers help finding medical coverage as well. Please bring your student’s yellow card.  Free or low cost.

• Freqently Asked Questions  English   Spanish 

• California Department of Public Health Information