On Wednesday, the grand jury of San Diego County released a report regarding the whooping cough epidemic and made a call of legislation that would make it harder for parents to get a waiver that allowed their children to go to school without getting a vaccine for it.

Even though the grand jury is unable to make the county go along with its suggestions, the Health and Human Services Agency is required to make a formal reply to the suggestions in the report within 90 days.

The epidemic in the state of California is the worst it has ever seen since 1947. In San Diego County alone, two babies have died and 1,144 cases went on record last year. So far this year, 212 cases have been reported around the nation. Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten said they appreciated the grand jury’s interest in the issue, and that they were busy preparing what their response would be.

According to State of California law, children must have an immunization for pertussis (whooping cough) along with immunizations for several other diseases before they can start kindergarten. As of July 1, a new law will require that children have proof a pertussis booster vaccine, called Tdap, before they can enter seventh through twelfth grade.