All incoming seventh graders in California must be vaccinated against whooping cough, also known as Pertussis. There is a 30-day grace period once school starts for students to get the vaccinations.
Most toddlers are given the shots, but the effectiveness can fade over time. Pertussis is a contagious bacterial disease that could be spread by coughing.
In 2010, 10 infants died because of the disease. But according to experts, the number of whooping-cough cases have been declining.
The Los Angeles Unified School District is offering free clinics to make sure children get vaccinated. Parents must bring their child's immunization records. The clinics will be held from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the following schedule:
Monday, Aug. 6
- Zelzah District Nursing Clinic, 6505 Zelzah Ave., Reseda
- Bret Harte Prep Middle School, 9301 S. Hoover St., South Los Angeles
Tuesday, Aug. 7
- Eagle Rock High School, 1750 Yosemite Dr., Eagle Rock
- Mark Twain Middle School, 2224 Walgrove Ave., Mar Vista
Wednesday, Aug. 8
- Zelzah District Nursing Clinic, 6505 Zelzah Ave., Reseda
- Wilmington Middle School, 1700 Gulf Ave., Wilmington
- Edison Middle School, 6500 Hooper St., South Los Angeles
Thursday, Aug. 9
- Bret Harte Prep Middle School, 9301 S. Hoover St., South Los Angeles
Friday, Aug. 10
- Bret Harte Prep Middle School, 9301 S. Hoover St., South Los Angeles
- Zelzah District Nursing Clinic, 6505 Zelzah Ave., Reseda
- Edison Middle School, 6500 Hooper St., South Los Angeles
