Local health agencies want parents to know how to protect their families from pertussis, better known as whooping cough. The illness, which can be serious for some children, has been reported more frequently than usual in recent months.
Parents of seventh graders should also be aware by now of a new state vaccination requirement. Proof of a booster vaccination - either a Tdap booster, or a Td booster in the last five years, must be provided to your junior high school by Sept. 15 in order to avoid exclusion from school for failure to vaccinate.