California Law now requires that all incoming seventh graders be vaccinated against whooping cough (pertussis) before entering class.
Once children have been vaccinated they will be issued a certificate to bring with them on the first day of classes.
Exemptions are permitted in two instances:
Medical Exemption
- A licensed physician (MD or DO) who feels a vaccine is not indicated for a student because of medical reasons should submit to the school (via the patient’s family as needed) a written statement documenting the medical exemption. A form that can assist in this process is available to physicians. The school will place a copy of the completed statement in the student’s file.
Personal Belief Exemption
- A parent or guardian may have a child exempted from required immunizations if immunization is contrary to his/her beliefs. Schools have standardized procedures for parents and guardians who request a personal beliefs exemption.
With the school year set to begin in two weeks, the Los Angeles Unified School District is setting up free vaccination clinics across the city and in Mar Vista will host a clinic on Tuesday.
The clinic at Mark Twain will be open from 7:30 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 1:30 p.m. to issue the boosters – also known as a tdap.
- City News Service contributed to this report
