New California Vaccination Law

Beginning in the next fall of the ’11-’12 school year, a new immunization law will require all California students entering seventh through twelfth grade to be immunized with a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis) booster shot. Previously, only incoming seventh graders needed records of the shot.
Pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious and potentially deadly respiratory disease that causes violent and uncontrollable coughing.
“One single vaccination shot does not usually provide a person lifetime protection against the bacteria or virus,” AHS Nurse Anita Man said. “A second or third dose may be needed to protect individuals for the longest time possible. A booster dose simply means a follow-up shot of vaccine.”
In order to be in compliance with this new law by the next school year, Man urges AHS students to get the Tdap shot as soon as possible.
After receiving the shot, students can bring the record of it to the Health Office during school hours.

Ellen Li, Staff Writer