A new law effective this year says all children in California entering grades seven through 12 in the state’s public and private schools must submit proof they’ve received a booster shot for whooping cough, also known as pertussis. The mandate came in a bill passed overwhelmingly in the Legislature and signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in September, as a response to the worst outbreak of the preventable disease in generations.
Free whooping cough vaccinations will be offered to the Mission Viejo community on Friday, January 7.
The City’s walk-in clinic will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way. The clinic is sponsored by the Orange County Health Care Agency.
Whooping cough produces violent coughing spasms that leave the infected person gasping for breath, producing the characteristic “whoop” sound. It is a deadly disease in infants, though symptoms can be milder in older children and adults. The California Department of Public Health recommends that all Californians 10 years and older receive a booster shot against pertussis (also known as “Tdap”). Health officials advise that parents receive the Tdap booster, along with other primary caregivers or those who spend a lot of time around a baby, such as siblings or grandparents.
Friday’s vaccination clinic is for people 10 and older and those who have contact with infants under 12 months. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
For more immunization resources regarding pertussis call the referral line at 1-800-564-8448, or visit the Orange County Health Care Agency website at www.ochealthinfo.com/pertussis. For information regarding the walk-in clinic, call the Norman P. Murray Community Center at 949-470-3062.
