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Stanislaus
County – Pertussis, also known as “whooping cough,”
is on the rise in Stanislaus County. The disease is a highly communicable,
vaccine-preventable disease that lasts for many weeks and is characterized
by persistent coughing sometimes followed with vomiting.
In 2003, 13 children died in the United States from Pertussis. Most deaths
occur among unvaccinated children or children too young to be vaccinated.
Nancy Bancroft, Public Health Nurse for Stanislaus County says, “The
vaccine that contains Pertussis (Tdap) is available for 10 years of age
and older at the Stanislaus County Public Health Department,
located at 820 Scenic Drive in Modesto. The
vaccine is also available from private physicians as well as clinics.
The Pertussis vaccine is available for one dose only, it replaces the
every 10 year Tetanus Diphtheria Boosters.”
Because of the increased risk of severe or fatal Pertussis to infants
under 12 months of age, the Department of Health Services highly recommends
a dose of Tdap for all persons who have or who anticipate having close
contact with an infant under 12 months of age: these include health care
providers, parents, child care providers, other household contacts 10
years and older.
Stanislaus County has had over 100 cases of confirmed Pertussis this
year compared to 13 cases last year. Tdap provides protection against
Pertussis, Tetanus and Diphtheria and is an answer to an increasing number
of cases. Tdap is available at the Stanislaus County
Public Health Immunization Clinic, the cost is $10 for persons
with Medi Cal or no medical insurance, or is Alaska Native or American
Indian. The hours and address are:
Monday - Thursday 8-5:30 and Friday 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.-3:00
p.m.
820 Scenic Drive, Modesto CA
(209) 558-4807, 558-4818
Important: report
cases of suspected and confirmed Pertussis to our Communicable
Disease Department at 558-5678 or fax 558-7531. Public Health nurses will
follow-up with case contacts immediately to determine if prophylaxis is
needed.
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