Two children from different schools, who were both vaccinated, have contracted whooping cough, according to county health officials.
A 9-year-old from Hill Creek Elementary School in the Santee School District and a 4 year old from Christ the Cornerstone Academy in Mira Mesa are the latest cases in San Diego, raising the county’s total to 384, said spokesperson Yvette Urrea Moe.
About 20 percent of those vaccinated can still contract whooping cough, but their symptoms are far less severe, according to health officials.
“Immunization is the best defense against whooping cough,” said Eric McDonald, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy County Public Health Officer. “It is very important to stay up to date with regular immunizations.
Although there is a small chance a vaccinated child may still get pertussis, symptoms are likely to be milder compared to an unvaccinated child.”
Students in grades seven through 12 are required by state law to get the Tdap booster shot before they can attend classes.
