County hosts free Tdap vaccine clinics for middle schoolers in need

Santa Clara County public health officials will temporarily offer free drop-in vaccination events in the coming weeks for students who need the requisite tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough vaccine.

The vaccine clinics will be open to seventh- and eighth-grade students who may have fallen behind during the pandemic on vaccines required to attend school. The Tdap vaccine is required for all students entering seventh grade.

Vaccination events will be held Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at San Ysidro Park in Gilroy and Thursday at the county Public Health Department’s Story Road Hub in San Jose from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tdap vaccines are also available on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Public Health Department’s Travel and Immunization Clinic at 976 Lenzen Ave. in San Jose. Starting Oct. 7, the clinic will also have temporary evening hours from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Thursday.

Assistant Public Health Officer Dr. Monika Roy said in a statement:

“Vaccination is the best protection against serious illnesses such as tetanus or whooping cough, and unfortunately, some families have experienced challenges in accessing routine medical care during the pandemic.” 

Students and parents are encouraged to call (408) 792-5200 or visit sccizedu.org for information on required vaccinations and how to schedule an appointment.

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