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Ongoing pertussis outbreak demonstrates...
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Ongoing pertussis outbreak demonstrates importance of immunizations
August 15, 2012
By Barbara Hensley
of MARC
With the elevated number of pertussis cases reported this year in a number of local jurisdictions, area Health Departments urge parents, guardians and caregivers of children and infants to comply with national pertussis vaccination guidelines.
Pertussis or whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can become very serious. The illness is usually most severe for babies, and nationally more than half of infants diagnosed with the disease must be hospitalized. The best way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination. The early childhood vaccine is called DTaP. Because protection through this childhood vaccine can wear off over time, a booster called Tdap is available for adolescents and adults. Both protect against pertussis, tetanus and diphtheria.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children should get 5 doses of DTaP. The first three shots are given at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. The fourth shot is usually given when the infant is between 15 and 18 months, and a fifth shot is given when a child enters school, between 4 and 6 years of age. If a child is 7-10 years old and has not received all 5 doses, they should receive a single dose of Tdap. A booster dose of Tdap is also recommended for adolescents 11-18 years old, preferably at 11-12 years old. Adults between 19 years of age and older who have not previously received Tdap as either a preteen or teen should also receive the Tdap booster, especially if they have contact with infants or young children.
“Though pertussis tends to be more serious in small children, adults and older siblings can carry and pass the infection on to them,” said Dr. Rex Archer, director of the City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department. “Because of this, it is a good idea when you get your tetanus booster to request one that includes protection against the pertussis bacteria.”
August is also National Immunization Awareness Month, which makes this a great time to check with your doctor and make sure that you are up to date on all your immunizations.
For more information about pertussis and other vaccinations available, contact your doctor or Jackson County, Mo. (816) 404-6415 www.jacohd.org
For free clinic hours visit: http://www.jacohd.org/Immunization%20Clinic%20Flier%2011x8.5%20FINAL.pdf
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