LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – School entry law has changed in California. Beginning in the fall of 2011, all seventh through 12th grade students are required to show proof that they received a whooping cough (pertussis) shot before starting school.

To meet this requirement, adolescents must have received a Tdap shot on or after their seventh birthday.

Parents should schedule an appointment with their child’s doctor to receive this vaccine. You will need to present a record of your child's Tdap shot for admission into school this fall.

Most CHDP providers, including the public health department, have free or low cost vaccines available to families that are Medi-Cal eligible, American Indian or uninsured.

Appointments are available in public health vaccine clinics each Tuesday through Thursday.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Lake County Public Health, 922 Bevins Court, Lakeport, telephone 707-263-1090 or 800-794-9291.