The United States has been experiencing a nationwide outbreak of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) associated with severe respiratory illness that has been especially harmful to children.  At the same time, you and your communities may also have questions about the Ebola virus.  To address both public health concerns, the U.S. Department of Education and our federal health partners have a number of informational resources to share with you. 

Almost all of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-confirmed cases this year of EV-D68 infection have been among children. Many of the children had asthma or a history of wheezing.  Many parents continue to be worried about the outbreak and want information about what they can do to prevent illness and protect themselves and their families.  The CDC has developed information and resources for parents about EV-D68. 

Below are CDC resources about EV-D68 developed for parents:

• What Parents Need to Know About the Enterovirus D68
• CDC Enterovirus Q & A

Whooping cough (pertussis) has been widespread in California during 2010.  The California Department of Public Health recommends that all Californians, 10 years and older receive a booster shot against pertussis (also know as "Tdap"1).  California law now requires students to be immunized against pertussis2.

For the 2011-12 school year only, all students entering 7th through 12th grades will need proof of a Tdap booster shot before starting school.

This requirement:
Begins - July 1, 2011
Can be met by receiving one dose of Tdap vaccine on or after the 10th birthday
Applies to all public and private schools
Does not affect student enrolled in summer school.
If your child, 10 years and older has not received the "Tdap" pertussis booster shot, please contact your personal physician or health department.  Tdap shot can also be obtained at the annual community seasonal flu clinics sponsored by the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency.  Getting a Tdap booster shot now will protect your child and meet a new school requirement that begins in the 2011-12 school year.  It is important to bring proof of a Tdap vaccine to your school nurse.

1. "Tdap" = Tetanus toxiod, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine
2. Exemptions permitted for verified medical conditions or personal beliefs.