The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends that all Californians
10 years and older receive a booster shot (also known as “Tdap”¹) against pertussis. 

Assembly Bill 354, now chaptered into California law, requires students to be immunized against pertussis²:


For the 2011-12 school year only, all students entering 7th through 12th grades
will need proof of a Tdap booster shot before starting school.

• This requirement begins July 1, 2011;

• Will be met by the CDPH recommendation to receive one dose of Tdap vaccine
   on or after the 10th birthday³;

• Applies to all public and private schools; and

• Does not affect students enrolled in summer school.

Beginning July 1, 2012, and beyond, all students entering the 7th grade will need
proof of a Tdap booster shot before starting school.

¹     “Tdap” = Tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine.
²        Exemptions permitted for verified medical conditions or personal beliefs.
³        If a student has received a dose of Tdap on or after the 7th birthday, the student will meet
        the school immunization requirement.