SACRAMENTO, CA - State lawmakers are considering a measure that would delay the pertussis shot requirement for thousands of California students.
An deadly whooping cough outbreak prompted a new law that said junior high and high school students must be vaccinated against whooping cough before they can enroll in school.
Sacramento high school student Allie Soohoo said schools have made sure students and parents are aware of the legislation.
"You have to get a whooping cough shot before you enter school," Sooho explained. "I know my school keeps reminding me by calling every 10 seconds about the whooping cough shot."
Students must show proof that they've been immunized, but compliance rates at some California school are as low as 10 percent.
"Some of my friends haven't gotten it," explained Mimi Wong. "They're like 'oh maybe I'll go get it later or sometimes when I tell them about it, they're like 'oh, it's just not that important.'"
Healthcare officials point out that the highly contagious illness claimed the lives of 10 California infants last year.
State Sen. Christine Kehoe has sponsored legislation giving districts an extra 30 days from the start on school to get children vaccinated.
"It delays the deadline to 30 days after school starts," Kehoe said. "So it gives each district an additional 30 days, depending on when they begin classes."
Parents are able sign waivers if they don't want their children to get the shot, which also protects against tetanus and diphtheria.
"I got my shot, it kind of stung a little bit," Elk Grove high school freshman Stephen Ash said. "But my friend is Muslim and her parents are thinking about not getting her the shot."
It's believed 1.5 million students in the 7th through 12th grade will need the vaccine - 112,000 of those students live in Sacramento County.
By Karen Massie kmassie@news10.net
News10/KXTV