Beginning in the 2011-12 school year, all students entering seventh through 12th grades will be required by law to provide proof of an adolescent whooping cough (pertussis) booster shot (Tdap) before starting school. Students are encouraged to avoid the back-to-school rush and bring proof of immunization to school as soon as possible.

To assist the community in obtaining a Tdap booster shot, Contra Costa Health Services is offering free vaccine clinics. Clinics will be held Mondays, June 13 and 27, and July 11 and 25 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Liberty Adult Education Center, 929 Second St. in Brentwood; Mondays, June 6 and 20, July 18, and Aug. 1, 15, and 29 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 971 O’Hara Ave. in Oakley; and Thursdays through August from 3 to 8 p.m. in the Somersville Towne Center (adjacent to Center Court II), 2556 Somersville Road in Antioch.

Additional information about the new immunization requirement can be found on school districts’ websites, Contra Costa Health Services, or in school offices.