Public Health Issues
LCHS Respiratory Illness Public Health Notice - January 27, 2011
La Canada High School has had an increased number of students with symptoms of a respiratory illness (Fever, Cough, Sore Throat, and Headache). In response to this the District Nurse has been working with the Public Health Department to investigate the source and to prevent the spread of the illness. Please read the following letter from the Public Health Department in regards to the illness. Please keep your children home when they are sick. If you have any questions or concerns contact district nurse Danielle Chandler at (818) 952-4226.
New Pertussis Immunization Requirement - January 10, 2011
This coming school year (2011-2012), all students entering grades 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 will need proof of an adolescent whooping cough/pertussis booster shot (called “Tdap”) before starting school. CDPH recommends that children receive Tdap on or after their 10th birthday to provide protection throughout their adolescent years. However, a student will be considered to have met the new school requirement with proof of receipt of a dose of Tdap on or after their 7th birthday.
For 2011-2012 all students 7-12 will be required to provide documentation proving that the Tdap booster has been received prior to being able to register for classes.
If you have the appropriate documentation now, you may turn it into the high school health office.
Any student who does not provide the Tdap documentation will not be able to register for the 2011-2012 school year. Incoming 7th-12th graders who do not have proof of receiving a Tdap booster shot will be excluded from school until the documentation is provided.
For more information go to
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact District Nurse, Danielle Chandler, at (818) 952-4226
Pertussis Epidemic Update - September 29, 2010
As you may be aware there is an epidemic of pertussis (whooping cough) in California. Pertussis is highly contagious and can cause serious complications for certain individuals (especially infants). It can be treated with antibiotics that can prevent spread to others.
You and your child may have been immunized between infancy and kindergarten. Persons who are immunized against pertussis as children may still be susceptible to infection as adolescents or adults because immunity can decrease over time (five to ten years).
A booster shot is recommended for all children and adults 10 years of age and older to help prevent getting whooping cough, especially if there is a new baby at home now or coming soon. Also if your child is younger than 7 and has not had four doses of DTP/DTaP series you should see your child’s healthcare provider for immediate vaccination. Talk with your doctor about getting immunized!
The symptoms of pertussis begin with common cold or allergy-like symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and subsequently develop into a dry episodic cough. Some individuals cannot catch their breath at the end of a coughing spell and may gasp (i.e., whoop), vomit, or choke.
If your child or any other member of your family has developed these symptoms, please see your family physician, regardless of immunization status.
All pertussis cases need to be reported to the Los Angeles County Immunization Program at (213) 351-7800.
If you have any further questions regarding pertussis you may contact the District Nurse or your health care provider.
H1N1 Flu Season Update - January 2010
