Sheldon High School to host free pertussis shot clinic for the public

On Wednesday, February 16, through a partnership between the Elk Grove Unified School District and the Sacramento County Department of Public Health, a free pertussis booster shot clinic will be offered to families, including children ages 10 or older from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Sheldon High School. All school-age children should try to bring their shot record with them.

The Elk Grove Unified School District urges parents of current 6th through 11th grade students to get the booster shot now to avoid the back-to-school rush this summer.

A new California law now requires that students entering 7th through 12th grades in the 2011-2012 provide schools proof that they have received an adolescent pertussis (whooping cough) booster shot (Tdap) prior to starting school. The new law was enacted following a widespread pertussis epidemic in 2010.

Students will not be able to attend school in 2011-2012 until they show proof of the booster shot.

After students receive the Tdap booster shot, parents should bring the written proof to the front office at their current school. If students have already received their Tdap booster shot, parents should also bring the written proof to their student's school.

After the 2011-2012 school year, only students entering 7th grade will need to show proof of having received the adolescent pertussis booster shot.

For more information, a fact sheet from the California Department of Public Health is available here.