The Illinois Department of Public Health has reminded parents that some children face new immunization requirements to start the new school year.
The reminder comes in the wake of an increase in the number of whooping cough cases in Illinois and other states.
In order to start school this year, all sixth- and ninth-grade students in Illinois are required to show proof of receiving Tdap vaccine, an immunization against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
In addition, students may also show proof that they have an appointment to get the vaccine or have an approved medical or religious exemption on file.
"This new requirement for sixth- and ninth-graders comes at a time when we are seeing a substantial increase in whopping cough cases," said IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck.
As of August 1st, health care providers reported approximately 1,200 cases of whooping cough to IDPH. In 2011, a total of 1,509 cases were reported for the entire year, according to IDPH.
The reminder to parents coincides with National Immunization Awareness Month this August.
