From the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention: 

With the start of another school year, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention would like to
remind families to check that children are up to date on their immunizations. Maine’s school immunization law
requires the following vaccines for children entering school: Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (DTaP),
Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR), Poliomyelitis, and Varicella.
 
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is on the rise this year due to high rates of non or under
immunization. Children need 5 doses of DTaP by kindergarten (ages 4-6) and a TDaP booster by age 11.  It is
recommended that all teens and adults receive TDaP boosters.  
 
Pertussis is a disease caused by bacteria (germs) that is easily spread from person to person. Pertussis
usually begins with cold-like symptoms and often develops into a bad cough after a few weeks. The cough can
last for several weeks or more. Most children are vaccinated against pertussis before the age of 7, but
protection from the disease may gradually decrease over time.
 
Going back to school is a busy time of year for families. By staying up to date on immunizations, we can create
a healthy and safe learning environment for all Maine children. For further questions or more information about
pertussis, please contact the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention at 1-800-821-5821
or visit our website at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/index.shtml.