The Turlock Unified School District has reported that the deadline for seventh to 12 graders to obtain their Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis – whooping cough) combination vaccine has been extended from Aug. 15 to Sept. 15.

TUSD Director of Student Services Gil Ogden said that a little more than 50 percent of students have received the shot.

“We are looking pretty good, but there is still a lot of work to do. Parents and students need to know that if they don’t have their shot or a waiver by Sept. 15 then they cannot come back to school until they do,” said Ogden.

Waivers for religious views or parenting decisions are available, however, in the event of a whooping cough outbreak students with only a waiver will not be allowed to return to school without the actual shot.

“We really don’t have a choice in this. It is state law and education code so we have to abide by it,” said Ogden.

The Tdap is a booster shot for adolescents and adults to help slow and stop the spread of whooping cough and other infectious diseases.

Upcoming immunization clinics will be held today from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Denair at 3460 Lester Rd.; and Friday at Spratling Middle School at 5277 Washington Rd. in Hughson. The Tdap vaccine is also available at the Public Health Office located at 820 Scenic Dr., in Modesto, no appointments are necessary and the hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and until 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Fridays the office is closed for lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and it closes at 4 p.m.

For information on how to obtain a low-cost Tdap immunization or schedule of upcoming clinics, contact Ogden at 667-0887.

To contact Jonathan McCorkell, e-mail jmccorkell@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2015.