Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Protection against Whooping Cough


Protect yourself and your children by receiving the Pertussis Vaccine


Whooping cough is on the rise and Utah County is NOT an exception.
Recently, the CDC reported there have been over 18,000 confirmed cases of whopping cough (Pertussis) already this year, the highest it has been in 5 years. Whooping cough, also know as the 100 day cough, is very contagious and can easily be spread from one person to the next.

With kids returning to school in a few weeks the opportunity to spread and/or be infected with Pertussis may increase. It is very important to take the time to make sure your children are up to date on all of their immunizations, especially Pertussis, before school starts.

Parents and other adults should also receive a booster shot as medical research has shown that immunity for Pertussis decreases over time. This is especially important because whooping cough may not present itself the same way in adults, they may think they only have a cold and can unknowingly spread the disease to smaller children and babies.

If you have a new baby it is especially important for friends, family and anyone who may be in contact with your baby to be immunized before they see or hold the baby.

TDap (Tetnus, Diptheria, and Pertussis) is available at the Utah County Health Department in Provo and at our new satellite office in American Fork, both locations are walk-in clinics.

If you have any questions, you can call the Utah County Health Department (UCHD) Immunizations Clinic at 801-851-7025.

UCHD Provo
151 S University Ave
Provo, Utah
Hours: 8:00am-4:30pm Monday through Friday

UCHD American Fork
599 S 500 E
American Fork, UT
Hours: 8:30am-4:00pm Monday through Friday
Closed for Lunch from Noon-1:00pm