Pertussis Vaccines Required For All Students Entering Grades 7 Through 12 Next Year

All students entering into grades 7 through 12 next year must get a pertussis vaccine, or they will not be allowed to attend school, according to a release from the Martinez Unified School District. The requirement is for all students throughout the state, in both public and private schools.

After next year, only students entering the 7th grade will be required to get the vaccine. The state law is in response to the pertussis epidemic spreading throughout the state the past two years. Pertussis is also known as whooping cough.

The law does not apply to students attending summer school. And there are exceptions for those for verifiable medical reasons, or who object for personal reasons. However, those who are not vaccinated can be kept out of school in the event of a pertussis outbreak.

Parents must get the vaccine through their medical provider. Schools will not be providing the vaccine.