Ventura, CA - A local pediatrician will host a children’s vaccination clinic in conjunction with Ventura County Public Health, to distribute the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine later this month to help families comply with a new California law.

Dr. Carey Chronis of Ventura will hold the clinic on Wednesday, Aug. 17, and Saturday, Aug. 20, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the Pacific View Mall, 3301 East Main St. A parent or guardian must accompany the child receiving the vaccine, which is called Tdap, but nothing else is needed except for insurance information.

Most insurance will be accepted (Some HMOs might not be accepted) and children qualifying for low-income assistance will also be able to receive the vaccine. To find out if a specific type of insurance can be accepted, call Dr. Chronis’ office at 805-642-4704.

Last year, in response to a surge in whooping cough outbreaks, the California state legislature passed Assembly Bill 354, requiring students entering the 7th through 12th grades in the 2011-2012 school year to provide proof to their school that they received the Tdap vaccine. Last month, Gov. Jerry Brown extended the deadline for providing proof to 30 days after the start of school.

Pertussis is a very contagious respiratory bacterial disease that can last for several months and become severe. In the first two weeks, the disease looks like a bad cold, but then it changes into a raspy cough that can sound more like a bark, hence the name “whooping cough.” Untreated, the bacterial infection can spread to the lungs and breathing tubes, making breathing difficult and coughing harsh.

Most children are immunized in early childhood with a modified version of the vaccine, called DTaP, generally given to children under the age of 7, but the immunity wears off over time, leaving older children and adults susceptible to the disease. Receiving a Tdap shot helps protect students, the school and community.

Dr. Carey Chronis is available to the media for further information. More information on AB354 is available at www.ShotsforSchool.org.