Free Tdap Shots For 7th and 8th Graders to Catch Up on Vaccinations
Vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis help ensure students stay healthy so they can focus on their education in the classroom
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA. – The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department is temporarily expanding services this fall to offer free Tdap vaccinations for 7th and 8th graders who need to catch up on this vaccination, which is required to attend school in California. Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough, also known as pertussis. Though Tdap is available from most healthcare providers, Public Health Department free vaccinations enhance access to this important service in communities where many families with 7th and 8th graders may experience barriers in obtaining routine immunizations.
Free vaccine events are taking place weekday evenings during the last week of September to accommodate parents’ work schedules. The vaccine is also available at the Public Health Department’s Travel and Immunization clinic in San Jose during regular business hours and temporary added evening hours. The vaccine is available at no cost and health insurance is not needed.
Tdap Vaccine Schedule
Drop-in clinics from 3-7 p.m.
September 28, 2021, at San Ysidro Park, 7700 Murray Ave, Gilroy
September 30, 2021, at Public Health Story Road Hub, 1775 Story Road, San Jose
Public Health Department Travel and Immunization Clinic at 976 Lenzen Avenue, San Jose.
Every weekday from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
Starting October 7, 2021, temporary evening hours every Thursday from 5-7 p.m.
Parents or guardians should bring their child’s yellow immunization card if it is available, but it is not required. The vaccine is available regardless of immigration status.
“Vaccination is the best protection against serious illnesses such as tetanus or whooping cough, and unfortunately, some families have experienced challenges in accessing routine medical care during the pandemic.” said Dr. Monika Roy, Assistant Health Officer for the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department. “We invite parents to visit these convenient locations for free Tdap shots for 7th and 8th graders.”
Tdap is one of the vaccinations required for children to attend public schools in the state of California: a Tdap booster shot is required for entry into 7th grade. All children who are beginning kindergarten, advancing to 7th grade, or newly enrolling as a student in Santa Clara County, need their parent or guardian to show their Immunization Record as proof of immunization. California schools are required to check immunization records.
Before the vaccines, diphtheria was a major cause of illness and death among children in the U.S., and whooping cough killed thousands of children every year, and sickened thousands more. There were hundreds of tetanus cases in the U.S. each year before the vaccines.
For more information about immunizations, visit sccizedu.org.
Media Contact: Britt Ehrhardt, County of Santa Clara Public Health Department, (408)792-5155, [email protected]