Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious respiratory disease.  Pertussis can cause violent, uncontrollable coughing and often makes it hard to breathe.  Vaccination is the best protection against this disease.  As a result, beginning July 1, 2011, California law will require all students entering 7th through 12th grade to provide proof of a pertussis booster vaccine.  This requirement can be met by the student receiving a dose of one of the following vaccines:  Tdap, DTaP, or DTP.  This dose must be given on or after the 7th birthday.  Once your child receives this vaccine, bring a copy of the immunization record to your school nurse.  We want all students to be in class the first day of school next year and not excluded due to not having this vaccine.