Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (TDaP)

  • State of California—Health and Human Services Agency
    California Department of Public Health

    EARLY ALERT TO SCHOOLS
    Assembly Bill 354 Becomes Law
    2011 Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Immunization Requirements for Students
    September 30, 2010

    Whooping cough (pertussis) has been widespread in California during 2010. The California Department of Public Health recommends that all Californians 10 years and older receive a booster shot against pertussis (also known as "TDaP"). Moreover, Assembly Bill 354, now entered into California law, requires students to be immunized against pertussis.

    All students entering 7th grades will need proof of a TDaP booster shot before starting school.

    • Begins July 1, 2011
    • Can be met by receiving one dose of TDaP vaccine on or after the 10th birthday.
    • Applies to all public and private schools.
    • Does not affect students enrolled in summer school.

    Starting now, please use your school websites, newsletters, report card messages, and other communications to send the following information:

    Pertussis is widespread. If your child 10 years and older have not yet received the 'TDaP" pertussis booster shot, please contact your doctor or health department. Getting a booster shot now will protect your child against the ongoing threat of pertussis and meet a new school requirement that begins in the 2011-2012 school year (California law - Assembly Bill 354).

    Adults are also advised to get a pertussis booster shot, if they haven't already, to protect themselves, their families, and their students.

    Immunization Branch/Division of Communicable Disease Control, MS 7309
    850 Marina Bay Parkway, Building P, 2nd floor, Richmond, CA 94804
    (510) 620-3737
    Internet Address: www.cdph.ca.gov

  • cartoon child coughing

    Click the image above to hear a whooping cough

    the TDaP virus magnified

Got TDaP?

  • Symptoms of a whooping cough

    Once infected it takes 3-12 days for symptoms to appear. Look out for:

    • A runny nose, Nasal Congestion, Sneezing, Red watery eyes, Mild fever, and a dry cough.
    • After a week or two symptoms worsen, severe coughing attacks may:
    • Bring up thick phlegm, provoke vomiting, resulting in a red or blue face, cause extreme fatigue and end up with a high pitched "WHOOP" sound during the next breath of air.

    Exemptions FAQs