Because of a state law passed on Jan. 1 for the 2011-12 school year only, all students entering 7th through 12th grade will need proof of an adolescent whooping cough (Tdap) booster shot before starting school. Students who do not have proof of receiving this shot after their seventh birthday will not be able to pick up their schedule, attend summer camp or extracurricular activities. They also will not be able to begin school until proof is provided.

Tdap is vaccine that prevents tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis or whooping cough, a highly contagious bacterial disease. The tetanus-diphtheria booster shot, Td, covers the first two infectious diseases, but it no longer meets the state requirement.

The whooping cough’s initial symptoms are mild, such as sneezing, mild coughing and a low-grade fever, but they eventually develop to severe uncontrollable coughing spells.

Contra Costa County health officials reported a record number of 205 cases of whooping cough last year. Santa Clara County’s public health department reported 95 cases last year.

Assistant principal Karen Hyde said as of early May, she has received approximately 1,000 verifications of the Tdap vaccine from parents, and has to call to check with about 400 more people. She and attendance secretary Anna Ybarra will be sending weekly emails and later phone calls to families who have not responded to previous requests for vaccination forms. Copies of Tdap immunization proof can be dropped off at the attendance office during school hours, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, or scanned and emailed to Hyde.

Students may obtain this booster from their physician, local pharmacies such as CVS and various county organizations. Please contact Hyde at [email protected] or Ybarra at [email protected] for any questions.