Pertussis and Coronavirus (Covid 19)
Whooping Cough video from Hamilton County Public Health
Pertussis is making its way back into the community. Are you as a parent immunized?
As a school nurse we are always talking and checking to see if our students are up to date with their immunizations but are we as parents and staff protecting ourselves and our children? Now 7th graders are required to show proof that they have had the T-DAP immunization, usually given around the age of 11.
My question is - Have we as adults had this? The T-DAP was developed as an adult booster in 2005. So many of us do not have this.
Tdap is especially important for healthcare professionals and anyone having close contact with a baby younger than 12 months. Pregnant women should get a dose of Tdap during every pregnancy, to protect the newborn from pertussis. Infants are most at risk for severe, life-threatening complications from pertussis.
A similar vaccine, called Td, protects from tetanus and diphtheria, but not pertussis. A Td booster should be given every 10 years. Tdap may be given as one of these boosters if you have not already gotten a dose. Tdap may also be given after a severe cut or burn to prevent tetanus infection.
Your doctor can give you more information.
Tdap may safely be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Please be advised that the Nurse's are informing you of this so that you are always be up to date on your Immunizations.
If you have any other questions, please refer to your Physician.
Pertussis Fact can be found in our childhood illness section or by going to:
