Little time left to get proof of shots to schools
Schools have been working hard to get the message out to parents of middle and high school students that they need to bring proof of a Tdap shot or they will be sent home the first day of school. Estimates show that at least half of the middle and high school students have already gotten the vaccine from their medical providers; however, schools are not seeing that proof come into the schools yet. “It is a huge task for Monterey County schools to document that students are protected from whooping cough. Our local schools need help from parents now to get the job done,” says Molly Hubbard, Immunization Coordinator for the Monterey County Health Department.
The new law, AB 354, was enacted to protect not just our students but the entire community from pertussis. Infants get a series of shots to protect against pertussis. By the time those children are adolescents, the protection wears off and they are vulnerable to disease again. Teens can then spread the disease to their whole family, including infants too young to be vaccinated. Of the ten infants who died in California during 2010 from pertussis, most were likely to have acquired the disease from a household contact.
While levels of pertussis are currently lower than last year’s peak, we can expect more cases in the summer and fall months. Dr. Stallworth, Health Officer for Monterey County, reminds residents, “In Monterey County we tend to see a peak of pertussis cases in the fall months, so it’s time to protect your children if you haven’t already.”
Schools need the vaccine paperwork now. Schools have been sending flyers home, calling parents, talking about the new law at parent meeting, and utilizing any other opportunity they can. Many schools, including Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD), are going to exclude students from participating in sports and not release the students’ fall schedules if proof of vaccination is not provided shortly. “Parents need to bring in proof of Tdap now because we are running out of time,” says Ann Kilty of MPUSD. “We want to make sure our students are protected from pertussis.”
Parents should make an appointment to get the Tdap shot, and the other age appropriate shots, with their health care providers. If students don’t have insurance coverage, parents can go to the Monterey County Health Department public health clinics at Alisal Health Center and Seaside Family Health Center. These locations can get children into a public program that can help pay for all of the vaccines needed.
Special Tdap only clinics will be held by many different groups around Monterey County in the next few months. Vaccine cost will range significantly depending on who is providing the vaccine. Some schools will be hosting Tdap clinics on site; pharmacists and other vaccinators like VNA and Maxim will be offering them at different venues.
Monterey County Health Department will be hosting six Tdap only clinics at three different locations this spring and summer. These clinics will be for middle and high school students only, ages 10 and up. Students must come with their parents. Vaccine will be free. Please bring your student’s yellow card.
Monterey County Health Department Free Tdap only Clinics:
- Saturday 5/14/11 from 2:00 pm-7:00 pm- Seaside Family Health Center
1150 Freemont Blvd, Seaside
- Saturday 5/21/11 from 2:00 pm-7:00 pm- Alisal Health Center
559 East Alisal St, Salinas
- Saturday 6/4/11 from 2:00 pm-7:00 pm- King City Health Department
620 Broadway St, King City
- Saturday 7/23/11 from 2:00 pm-7:00 pm- Seaside Family Health Center
1150 Freemont Blvd, Seaside
- Saturday 7/30/11 from 2:00 pm-7:00 pm- Alisal Health Center
559 East Alisal St, Salinas
- Saturday 8/6/11 from 2:00 pm-7:00 pm- King City Health Department
620 Broadway St, King City
Monterey County Health Department
Walk-in Vaccine Services:
M-F 8:00 to 11:00 am and 1:00 to 3:00 pm
- Alisal Health Center, 559 East Alisal St, Salinas - 769-8870
- Seaside Family Health Center, 1150 Freemont Blvd, Seaside - 899-8100
All recommended immunizations available (except for travel vaccines). Time slots available on a first come first serve basis. Offers help finding medical coverage as well. Please bring your student’s yellow card. Free or low cost.
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For more information about Assembly Bill 354 go to: www.shotsforschool.org
