SCUSD Offers Free Tdap Vaccines; Few Have Registered

Despite a new state law that could bar students from attending school this fall, parents have been slow to prove their kids have received a required vaccine.

"Approximately 79 percent of Sacramento City Unified School District students have not showed proof of receiving [the Tdap] vaccine” said Gabe Ross, a district spokesman. "The students that cannot show proof of the vaccination will not be able to attend school until proof is shown."

The new law requires the Tdap (Pertussis/Whooping Cough) vaccine for all students entering grades seven - 12 before the start of the 2011-12 school year, although lawmakers last week moved to grant a 30-day extension.

Sacramento City Unified School District is offering free clinics for this vaccine for students that have Medicaid, Medi-Cal or have no insurance.

They will be held every from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every first Saturday, at the district's enrollment center, 5601 47th Ave.

The district is asking that you turn in your proof of proper vaccinations to the Enrolment Center prior to school starting. The center is available for questions and concerns by calling 916-643-2400 or online at http://www.scusd.edu/tdap/Pages/default.aspx.