Information for Providers

What can I do to help my patients meet the 7th Grade Tdap Requirement?

As soon as possible:

  • Issue recalls and reminders to your patients who have not yet received Tdap.
    • Remember Td does NOT meet the new requirement! Tdap can be given at any time after the last dose of Td.
  • Immunize your patients who have not yet received Tdap yet to protect them against the ongoing risk of pertussis and also meet the new requirement
    • Immunize at every opportunity, including appointments for mild illness or injury.
  • Document your Tdap immunization clearly in the paper or electronic records that your patients will share with school staff.
    • The California Immunization Registry (CAIR) provides rapid, clear and simple documentation of Tdap immunization, saving time and effort for the many California providers and schools who use CAIR. Providers and health plans who wish to begin using CAIR may contact the CAIR Help Desk at 800-578-7889 or www.cairweb.org.
  • Combine Tdap immunization with other recommended care.
    • CDC, AAP and the Society for Adolescent Medicine recommend that all 11- to 12-year olds get a preteen check-up to provide all recommended immunizations, other preventive care and anticipatory guidance.

Provider Tool Kit for the 7th Grade Tdap Requirement:

A) Overview for Providers

B) Implementation Tools

C) Patient Education

What immunizations are recommended for my patients?
Pediatric immunization recommendations in the United States are developed by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), typically in coordination with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

What immunizations are required for my patients to attend school?
To protect the public’s health, many, but not all, recommended childhood vaccines are also required by California law and regulations in order to attend school. The immunizations currently required for pupils in California for the 2012-13 School Year include:

Immunization required for 7th grade:

  • Tdap (pertussis booster)

Immunizations required to enter Kindergarten:

  • Polio
  • DTaP
  • MMR
  • Hepatitis B
  • Varicella (Chickenpox)

Medical Exemptions to Required Immunizations – Click on the link

Vaccines For Children (VFC)
www.eziz.org
The California VFC Program is a federally-funded and state-operated program designed to help raise childhood immunization levels by providing no-cost vaccines to enrolled physicians caring for eligible children.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
www.cdph.ca.gov