Give Your Kids a Boost! Whooping Cough Prevention Education Program

Give Your Kids a Boost! - Whooping Cough Prevention Education Program

Did you know… health experts recommend that all preteens and teens get a booster shot to protect them against whooping cough? However, according to a recent CDC survey, only 11 percent of 13-17 year-olds in the U.S. received the recommended booster shot.

Whooping cough is a serious disease that spreads easily in places like schools where students are in close contact. Give Your Kids a Boost! is a NASN national, educational campaign to help raise awareness about the recommended vaccinations for preteens and teens.

Lucas Grabeel and Family

Jean Grabeel is a NASN Executive Committee member and mother of Lucas Grabeel, who plays “Ryan” in the “High School Musical” movies. As part of this campaign, she encourages parents to talk to their child’s school nurse or healthcare provider about protection from whooping cough. [ Learn more about Jean Grabeel]

According to her son, Lucas Grabeel, "I was able to pursue my dreams of becoming an actor because my mom did everything she could to help me stay healthy. She's a school nurse, so she made my sister and I get our shots on time. I'm glad she did. And now parents can help protect their teens from even more diseases -- like whooping cough."

Interview with Jean Grabeel

Materials Descriptions
These educational materials have information about how to prevent whooping cough to help keep preteens and teens healthy. You can download the materials by using the links provided below.

Teen Video Testimonial – A personal account of Katie Watson, a high school student, who has experienced whooping cough firsthand. [Learn more about Katie Watson]

Whooping Cough Backgrounder – Information about whooping cough, including signs and symptoms, who is at risk, and tips on prevention.
(Also Available in Spanish)

Preteen/Teen Vaccinations Fact Sheet – Information about the shots that health experts recommend, as of 2008, for preteens and teens.
(Also Available in Spanish)

Keeping Your Child Healthy: Vaccination Checklist - Information on vaccinations and the diseases they protect against, along with a checklist to help keep a child's shots up-to-date.

Tips for a Healthy and Happy School Year - a checklist of ten things parents/guardians can do to help prepare their children for a healthy school year.
(Also Available in Spanish)

Send an E-card - Let Lucas Grabeel, star of High School Musical, help you remind friends and family to make sure their preteens and teens shots are up-to-date.

For more information about vaccinations recommended for preteens and teens, talk to your child’s school nurse or healthcare provider. It’s also important to note that some vaccinations may be required for school entry.

GlaxoSmithKline has provided funding and editorial assistance to the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) for the "Give Your Kids a Boost!” campaign.