Updated information on Pertussis
Many of you may have heard of the tragic deaths of 6 infants in
California from Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough. These infants
were not fully immunized, some because they were too young, others
because of parent choice. There have also been hundreds of
hospitalizations due to Pertussis.
Pertussis is the “P” in the DTaP. If your child is up to date on
immunizations, she/he is not at risk of pertussis. Unfortunately,
immunity to Perutssis wears off in teens and adults unless they receive
a booster (Tdap, Adacel, or Boostrix). Teenagers and young adults are
responsible for many cases of Pertussis in infants. Pertussis in teens
and adults causes a severe cough for several weeks. Antibiotics may
shorten the course of Pertussis, but does not cure it.
Please make sure you are up to date on this important vaccine to
prevent illness and prevent the spread. If your adult physician does not
carry it, we can immunize the parents of our patients.
Additional recourses:
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