Did you know that California is in the midst of a whooping cough outbreak? Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a serious disease that can be deadly, especially for young children.

To help stop the outbreak, California recently passed a new law that requires all students entering 7th through 12th grades to show proof of a recent Tdap (tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis) booster shot. Some school districts will require documentation on the first day of school. Other school districts will require documentation within 30 calendar days after school begins. Contact your school for the exact date.

Kaiser Permanente members can use our secure online features to view and print immunization records for themselves and their children.

Start by setting up access to Act for a Family Member. All you need is your teen’s Medical Record Number and a few minutes to get started.

If you are not able to set up online access and want to know if your teen needs the booster shot, please call our Appointment and Advice line.

My teen already had the Tdap booster. How do I get proof for school?

• If your teen received the shot before March 17th, you will receive a letter with documentation in early April. You do not need to do anything except give that letter to the school.
• If your teen received the shot after March 17th, follow the directions below to print a copy of your child's immunization record to give to the school.

I'm not sure if my teen has had the Tdap shot. How do I check my child's immunization records online?

To view and print your child’s immunization record:

• Click on "My Health Manager" and then select "Act for a Family Member". (If you have not already set up access, you will be prompted to do so.)
• Click "Switch member' and then choose "My Immunizations."

My teen needs the Tdap booster. What should I do?

• No appointment is necessary. You and your teen can drop in to any Kaiser Permanente Pediatric department or immunization clinic Monday through Friday between 9:00 and 11:30 AM or from 2:30 to 4:30 PM.
• Your teen will receive the Tdap shot and any other immunizations which are due. We will provide documentation for you to give to school.

Save Time Online

Take advantage of our resources that make it more convenient to coordinate your family's health care. Bookmark kp.org/mydoctor where you can:

• Stay in touch with your family's doctors with secure e-mail
• Stay on top of immunizations and well visits (check-ups)
• Sign up to receive Healthy Teens, our online newsletter for parents like you

Additional Information

More on teen immunizations from your child's doctor

More on the new school entry requirement from the CA Department of Public Health

More on the Pertussis (Whopping Cough) outbreak