Provided by the California Department of Public Health
WHAT IS THE TDAP REQUIREMENT FOR 7TH – 12TH GRADERS?
In July 2011, a new law (AB 354) changing California immunization requirements for all students in 7th-12th grades went into effect. The law requires all students entering 7th grade and any new students transferring into grades 8-12 to show proof of a Tdap shot to start school. Limited exemptions are allowed.
WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD GET VACCINATED?
Children as young as 10 years old are recommended to get vaccinated with Tdap. This will protect them against the ongoing threat of whooping cough and will meet the Tdap school requirement for when they are in 7th grade.
Keep documentation of your child’s Tdap booster shot in a safe place. Your child will need proof of immunization in order to start school.
WHY SHOULD MY CHILD GET VACCINATED?
In addition to it being a new requirement for starting school, children who get a Tdap booster shot will be better protected during their school years. Immunization also helps to protect others within the home, in the community, and at school.
Immunizations help to prevent school closures. Many schools in California have suffered from outbreaks of whooping cough. Students got very sick and parents missed work and lost wages to care for their sick children. In some cases, schools had to close because there were not enough healthy teachers to keep schools open.
WHERE CAN MY CHILD GET VACCINATED?
Children should visit their regular doctor or health care provider to get their Tdap shot. Children 18 years old and younger who are uninsured or underinsured may qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program. To find a provider near you, call 1-877-243-8832 or visit: www.eziz.org. Some local pharmacies and Health Departments may also offer the Tdap vaccine.
ARE IMMUNIZATION EXEMPTIONS ALLOWED UNDER CALIFORNIA LAW?
Medical exemptions to immunizations are allowed by law must be requested by a parent/guardian on the CAIR-ME web site. The parent/guardian first must register on the site and complete their piece of the application. Once finished they must let their Health Care Provider know they have completed their piece and the Health care provider may then complete their part. When done the HCP must print the exemption and provide to the parent/guardian to present to the school. California Department of Public Health will review all requested exemptions.
WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS RECEIVED A TDAP BOOSTER SHOT BEFORE 10 YEARS OF AGE?
Your child will be considered to have met the new school requirement with proof of getting a dose of Tdap on or after their 7th birthday. However, we recommend that children receive Tdap on or after their 10th birthday to provide better protection throughout their adolescent years.
WHAT OTHER IMMUNIZATIONS SHOULD I CONSIDER FOR MY CHILD?
Preteens and teens are also recommended to receive vaccines against meningococcal disease (brain or blood infection), flu (influenza), HPV (human papillomavirus, a cause of cervical cancer), and any vaccine they may have missed during childhood. The recommended vaccine schedule may be found on the California Department of Public Health website. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information.
SHOULD PARENTS AND OTHERS AT HOME GET THE TDAP VACCINE?
All persons 10 years and older are recommended to be vaccinated with Tdap now if they haven’t done so to protect them against the ongoing threat of pertussis. Immunization also helps to protect close contacts, including young infants for whom pertussis is most severe and sometimes fatal.
CAN MY CHILD CARRY THEIR OWN SUPPLY OF MEDICATION(s) REQUIRED FOR USE DURING THE SCHOOL DAY?
Yes, your child may carry their own medication, whether it is over the counter or prescribed by their Health care provider if they have the proper paperwork on file with the school health office.
Link the Authorization to administer medications form included in the ticket
ARE IMMUNIZATION EXEMPTIONS ALLOWED UNDER CALIFORNIA LAW?
Medical exemptions to immunizations are allowed by law must be requested by a parent/guardian on the CAIR-ME web site. The parent/guardian first must register on the site and complete their piece of the application. Once finished they must let their Health Care Provider know they have completed their piece and the Health care provider may then complete their part. When done the HCP must print the exemption and provide to the parent/guardian to present to the school. California Department of Public Health will review all requested exemptions.
WHAT OTHER IMMUNIZATIONS SHOULD I CONSIDER FOR MY CHILD?
For other immunizations, visit the California Department of Public Health, Shots Required website.
WHERE CAN I GO FOR MORE INFORMATION?
For more information, visit the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch website.
