In order to help students prepare for the new school year, which includes the requirement that all students in grades 7-12 receive a booster shot for tetanus, diptheria and pertussis (whooping cough), Providence Health Services is offering free Tdap shots to children 10 and older and adults who take care of children.

This program is being conducted in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Clinics will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday in August at four locations in the San Fernando Valley.

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The clinics are open to all, regardless of income or cities of residence. Dates and locations are as follows:

Aug. 10 – St. Elisabeth School, 6635 Tobias Avenue, Van Nuys

Aug. 17 – St. Jane Frances School, 12950 Hamlin St., North Hollywood

Aug. 24 – St. Ferdinand School, 1012 Coronel St., San Fernando

Aug. 31 – St. Didacus School, 14325 Astoria St., Sylmar

Nurses from Providence hospitals in the valley, student nurses and Los Angeles County Public Health Department nurses will be giving the shots. The school nurse program provides basic medical screenings year-round at Catholic schools in lower-income areas of the San Fernando Valley, one of many community benefit program offered to improve health and prevent chronic disease.

A surge in whooping cough cases prompted the California Legislature to mandate that children in grades 7-12 receive Tdap booster shots within a month of the start of the 2011-12 school year. It is also recommended that parents and children’s caregivers receive the vaccine.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bring the child’s immunization record to be updated.