Los Angeles County has confirmed 345 cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, in 2014 already, and LA County's Department of Public Health is looking into an additional 356 suspected cases of the disease, according to an official statement by the department. 

According to a report by the LA Times, whooping cough affect people of all ages and can be very dangerous if contracted by infants. Symptoms are described as "cold-like" and can increase in severity to the point where coughing can cause vomiting or even break ribs. 

Nearly 50% of infants with pertussis must be hospitalized, and in 2014 three infants have already died from the disease, stated the county health department. 

"We are asking residents to make certain that everyone in your family has been vaccinated to help stop the spread of pertussis," stated Dr. Jonathan Fielding, Department of Public Health director, who is seeking to spread awareness about the disease and about the benefits of vaccination.

"Being vaccinated protects your family and reduces the chance that pertussis will spread to our most vulnerable residents -- infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated."

LA's increase in the number of confirmed pertussis cases is right in line with California's statewide numbers. The California Department of Public Health has gone so far as to announce that pertussis has reached epidemic proportions in the state.

Numbers in early June indicated that 3,458 cases of whooping cough were confirmed for 2014, including more than 800 in the weeks leading up to that announcement. 

Los Angeles Unified School District will actually be requiring proof of TDap booster vaccination this fall before the school term begins. LAUSD will be providing students with a number of opportunities (see below) at various clinics around the county to receive the booster shot free of charge. 

This vaccination is designed to "prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis," reports the Times. Students without proof of vaccination, according to state law, will not be allowed to attend classes throughout LAUSD. 

A parent or legal guardian must be present with each child in order to receive a booster shot, and a district immunization consent form and a current immunization record are also required. Children covered by Medi-Cal, children of Native American descent or those who do not have insurance are all still able to participate as long as they provide the proper documentation listed above. 

In order to help fight the spread of pertussis people are advised to avoid contact with those who are known to be infected.

It should be noted that immunizations can also be provided by a primary physician, or through getting in touch with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for additional information regarding free or low-cost clinics. 

Below are times and clinics that will be providing free booster shots for LAUSD students. Please be aware that all clinics will be close from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

July 28-31, Aug. 1 and Aug. 4-8, at Zelzah Clinic, North Area Nursing Office, 6505 Zelzah Ave., Reseda, from  7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

July 28-31, Aug. 1 and Aug. 4- 8, at Telfair PTA Health Center, 10911 Telfair Ave., Pacoima, from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

July 28-31, Aug. 1 and Aug. 4- 8, at Columbus School-Based Clinic & Family Resource Center, 22250 Elkwood St., Canoga Park, from 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Aug. 4 - 8, at Murchison Street Elementary School Clinic, 1501 Murchison St., Los Angeles, from 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

July 29 and 31, Aug. 5 and Aug. 7 at Central PTA Clinic and Student Medical Services, 1000 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, from 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 

Aug 4- 8 at Holmes Avenue Elementary School Clinic, 5108 Holmes Ave., Los Angeles, from 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

July 28-31, Aug. 1 and Aug. 4- 8, Roosevelt Senior High School, 456 S. Matthews Street, Los Angeles, from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

July 30, Aug. 1, Aug. 4, Aug. 6 and Aug. 8 at San Miguel Healthy Start Clinic, 9801 San Miguel Ave., South Gate, from  8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Aug. 4-8, at Betty Plasencia Elementary School, (Student Guidance Assessment Center), 1321 Cortez St., Los Angeles, from 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

July 28-31, Aug. 1 and Aug. 4- 8, at Thomas Alva Edison Middle School, 6500 Hooper Ave., Los Angeles from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.