With 16 reported cases in The Dalles as of last week, health officials with the North Central Public Health District (NCPHD), with assistance from North Wasco County School District 21, is offering a FREE Tdap Vaccine Clinic on Thursday, July 9th, 2015 at The Dalles Middle School (1100 E 12th St.) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Photo credit: CDC/ Amanda Mills
The Tdap Vaccine Clinic will offer FREE vaccination to all persons aged seven and older that are not up-to-date on their Tdap vaccine. If you work closely with those vulnerable to Pertussis (babies and young children, pregnant women, and those with a weakened immune system), or if you are not up to date on your Tdap vaccination, and especially if you do not have insurance, please come to the Tdap Vaccine Clinic on July 9th, 2015 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tdap vaccine is also available at your doctor’s office and your pharmacy. If you have insurance, this is another option for receiving vaccine.
Pertussis is an infection that affects the airways and is easily spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. The severe cough, often referred to as “Whooping Cough”, can last for weeks or months, sometimes leading to coughing fits and/or vomiting.
Anyone can get pertussis, but it can be very dangerous for infants and people with weakened immune systems. Family members with pertussis, especially mothers, can spread pertussis to newborns.
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The best way to prevent pertussis among infants, children, teens, and adults is to get vaccinated. Keeping infants and those at high risk for pertussis complications away from infected people is also important for prevention.
If you suspect your child may have been exposed to someone with pertussis and your child has a cough: Keep your child home from school, daycare, and other activities; make an appointment with your child’s doctor as soon as possible and be sure to explain that your child may have been exposed to pertussis; you will be asked to bring your child in for testing and possibly treatment.
If you suspect your child may have been exposed to someone with pertussis and your child does NOT have symptoms: Contact your child’s doctor and explain that your child may have been exposed to pertussis and in certain circumstances, antibiotics may be recommended to prevent transmission.
