Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) has notified Saddleback Valley Unified School District that
Orange County is currently experiencing an epidemic of pertussis, commonly called “whooping cough.” Although we have not received any specific reports about epidemic levels of pertussis in our community, it is very important that families are notified of this risk and about new requirements for immunization that will go into effect for the 2011-2012 school year.
Please read this letter in its entirety as all students entering grades 7 through 12 will be required to provide documentation of having obtained a pertussis (Tdap) vaccine booster prior to entering school on the first day of the 2011-12 school year (California Law-Assembly Bill 354). Due to the volume of students that this new law affects, we strongly encourage families to have their students vaccinated before the end of the current school year and present documentation to their student’s current school in order to prevent any delays in enrollment for the new school year.
As a general guideline, we are requesting the following:
1. Have your student vaccinated with a pertussis (Tdap) booster. This can be done through your private physician or at any advertised pertussis clinic. *If your student was vaccinated for pertussis after age 7, this will satisfy the new law requirement.
2. Bring proof of vaccination to your student’s current school prior to June 1, 2011 so that office staff (Office
Manager at Elementary level and Guidance Office at Intermediate and High School levels) can input information on your student’s immunization record.
3. Keep your student’s immunizationcard up-to-date and in a secure place for reference, if needed. If you have any questions about this letter, please contact Health Services at 949-588-7651.
Sincerely,
Dianne Beckman
SVUSD District Nurse
