New Tdap Requirement: Students Entering 7th-12 Grade In September 2011

Dear Parents/Guardian,

ABC Unified School District is mandated to notify parents of a new immunization law, Assembly Bill 354, which requires students to be immunized against pertussis (whooping cough). Starting September 2011 all students entering, advancing, transferring into 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades that do not meet this requirement will not be allowed to receive a class schedule or attend school in the fall 2011.
A record of the Tdap vaccination must be on file in your child’s school health record.
Verification of Tdap vaccination must include the following:
• Tdap must be recorded on student’s immunization card: A staff member in the doctor’s office, immunization clinic and/or health official must record Tdap vaccination on the student’s immunization card.
• Date of vaccination: Health officials must record the date of vaccination.
• Doctor’s Office Stamp or signature: Immunization record must include the official stamp from the provider or signature of person giving vaccination.
Once your child receives the vaccine send a copy of the immunization record to the school office staff or bring the record to the school for copying.
We recommend that families begin immediately to make arrangements to receive this vaccine. Parents should check with their child’s primary care physician, school nurse or local health official to determine whether they currently meet this requirement.
Resources for vaccination include:
• Student’s with insurance should obtain the vaccine from the student’s regular doctor
• Students without insurance may utilize the District’s immunization clinics. These clinics are located at:
• Fedde Middle: Tuesday and Thursday, 7:45-8:45 (Ext. 24670)
• Burbank Elementary: Monday and Wednesday, 7:45-8:45 (Ext. 22792)
• Call the Los Angeles County Information line at 2-1-1
• Visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip for referral to providers and community sites offering free or low-cost immunizations
Present this letter and your student’s immunization record to the health care provider at the time of your appointment. Remember, no vaccination means your child cannot attend school in the fall.

Penny A. Goforth, RN
School Nurse
Head of Health Services