Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Information
Pronounced (per-TUS-iss)
Pertussis (also called whooping cough) is a highly contagious bacterial illness spread by coughs and sneezes. Whooping cough is most contagious before the coughing starts. People sick with pertussis have severe coughing attacks that make it hard for the sufferer to breathe and can last for months. The disease can be fatal to babies.
Vaccination is the best defense against whooping cough. However, the immunity from vaccines wears off over time and pertussis booster vaccine rates in adolescents and adults continue to be low. As a result, pertussis continues to circulate widely in California.
The childhood vaccine is called DTaP. The whooping cough booster vaccine for adolescents and adults is called Tdap. Both protect against whooping cough, tetanus, and diphtheria.
(sources: CA Dept. of Public Health and the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
New School Requirements for 2011 (AB 354)
Under a new California law that takes effect in July 2011, all California middle and high school students must be vaccinated against pertussis (whooping cough) for this upcoming 2011-2012 school year. Beginning July 1, 2011, all students entering into 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades will be required to show proof of a 'Tdap' booster shot before starting school. This requirement applies to all public and private schools.
New legislation has extended the deadline for school districts to prove student immunization to 30 days past the first day of school.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department website has updates, webinars, school toolkits, clinic information, and posters and letters available in multiple languages.
CA Dept. of Public Health has facts sheets on pertussis, vaccines, information for health professionals and links to resources.
The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention has information on pertussis and vaccines in general.
Date last updated: September 1, 2011