Pertussis Procrastinators Urged to Visit Thursday Clinic

Schools could see a significant chunk of seats empty come early October when the deadline for turning in proof of the whooping cough shot  arrives.

State law requires every student entering seventh through 12th grade to have the Tdap booster shot for the 2011-12 academic year. This includes all current, new and transfer students in public and private school.

On Oct. 7, students who have not confirmed that they have had the shot will not be allowed to attend school.

The Saddleback Valley Unified School District is urging students to get the vaccine and avoid missing class.

A free clinic is taking place Thursday for eligible students (and parents) in the multipurpose room at Los Alisos Intermediate School at 25173 Moor Ave. in Mission Viejo.

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., eligible students and adults can get the booster shot for free.

Free Tdap immunizations are available for children ages 10-18 years who are uninsured or have Medi-Cal. Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian and have a current immunization record (“yellow card”).

The Tdap booster helps prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, also known as whooping cough. The vaccination can be obtained from your family physician, at local pharmacies or through the Orange County Health Care Agency. 

For more information about Thursday's clinic, jointly sponsored by the district and county Health Care Agency, call 949-472-2900.