After over a thousand cases of whooping cough being diagnosed in the San Diego County last year, a new immunization law has been passed. All students entering seventh to twelfth grade must have proof of a whooping cough booster shot before starting the 2011-2012 school year.

According to the San Diego Immunization Program website, pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, has been increasing over the last few years in the United States. The new required vaccine, called Tdap, protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.

“It’s definitely a good idea, because we don’t want people getting sick and passing whooping cough around,” said Freshman John Balicoco.

Last year there were a record 1,144 whooping cough cases in the San Diego County, killing two infants. As of May 9 of this year, there had been 192 reported cases of pertussis (sdiz.org).

“Wel,l I’m not going to be in high school next year, but I still agree that the shot is a good idea for the returning and new students to help prevent sickness,” said Senior Winona Randall.

According to the Center for Disease Control, whooping cough is always present, but every three to five years there is an outbreak. While outbreaks are common, they are especially dangerous for infants, who can contract pneumonia or breathing problems from pertussis (cdc.gov).

Symptoms of whooping cough usually last six to ten weeks, though the cough can last longer. The disease usually happens in three stages. During the first, normally most contagious stage, an infected person will have cold-like symptoms. The second stage has the most serious symptoms, and the cold symptoms fade. During this stage, coughing gets more violent and uncontrollable. The last stage is the slow recovery, and can last a few months. An infected person can be contagious for weeks, so it is good to be vaccinated (webmd.com)

Students in middle and high school who have been vaccinated can still get whooping cough after vaccines fade, so it is important to be up to date with vaccines. “It’s important that people get the shot so that they protect themselves and others,” said Freshman Nicolette Zahradnikova.

For those without a regular health care provider, vaccines can be received at any Public Health Center Immunization Clinic. Tdap vaccines are also available at many local pharmacies such as Rite Aid and CVS.