Politics & Government

Local Officials, Health Professionals Push Mandatory Whooping Cough Vaccine/Waiver for Students

Assemblymember Mike Eng, who represents San Marino and other local cities, held a press conference Tuesday to remind and educate parents about the mandatory pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine.

Assemblymember Mike Eng (D-Monterey Park), local educators and health professionals urged parents Tuesday morning to immunize their children with the Tdap (whooping cough or pertussis) vaccine required for students entering 7th to 12th grade this year.

To see video from the press conference, click here.

Eng emphasized four points made by himself and others, such as Dr. Michelle Parra, Director of Immunization Program, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health; Larry J. Lue, CEO of Chinatown Service Center; and Dr. Martin Serota, Chief Medical Officer, AltaMed Health Services Corporation.

Find out what's happening in San Marinowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

1. No shot, no school

Students who do not have proof of immunization or exemption will not be allowed to start school.

Find out what's happening in San Marinowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Students who sign a waiver in lieu of immunization will be required by law to miss 21 days of school in the event of a whooping cough outbreak.

2. No money, no problem

Various local clinics provide no cost or low cost immunizations.

For referrals to these providers, dial 2-1-1 (LA County Information line)

Two no cost or low cost providers in the San Marino area are:

  • Buddhist Tzu-Chi Free Clinic
    1000 South Garfield Avenue, Alhambra, 91801
    (626) 281-3383
  • Herald Christian Health Center
    923 South San Gabriel Boulevard, San Gabriel, 91776
    (626) 286-8700

3. No English, no problem

To find out about vaccinations and other services provided in English, Spanish and various Chinese dialects by the Chinatown Service Center, click here.

4. No provider, no problem

AltaMed, which has a location in El Monte, is just one organization that provides health care for underserved people of different ages.


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