In response to rising rates of pertussis disease in Jefferson County and throughout the state of Colorado, Jefferson County Public Health will hold a pertussis (Tdap) vaccination clinic at no cost for child care workers on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at the Lakewood offices, 260 South Kipling Street. The clinic will be held from 8:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Child care workers are asked to call 303-232-6301 to pre-register for this special Tdap clinic.
Pertussis, a contagious bacterial infection spread by coughing/sneezing is notable for the persistent, often severe, and long-lasting cough in those infected and can be life threatening in infants and young children. “We urge Jefferson County child care workers to take advantage of this special clinic. Infants are especially susceptible to severe pertussis disease and are too young to be fully immunized so it is essential that caregivers of infants be vaccinated against pertussis,” said public health nurse and Immunization Program Supervisor, Christine Schmidt.
Pertussis immunizations are recommended for all children and adults. JCPH asks everyone to check with their health care provider and be sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations. Those seeking vaccine protection against pertussis should understand that Tdap is not the same as DtaP. They both protect against the same diseases (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) but are given at different ages.
- Tdap is the vaccination required when a child enters 6th grade and is now recommended for all adults, especially those who take care of or have close contact with infants. Only one dose of Tdap is currently recommended.
- Dtap is the childhood vaccination given in a series beginning by 2 months of age and completing at 4-6 years of age.
- The September 12, 2012 clinic is for Tdap only.
On August 20, 2012, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) report that from January 1 through August 11, 2012, a total of 715 cases of pertussis have been reported in Colorado, compared to a 2007-2011 average of 158 cases during the same calendar period. In Jefferson County thus far in 2012, there have been 112 reported pertussis cases compared with 20 in 2009, 167 in 2010 and 104 in 2011.
To pre-register for the Tdap pertussis clinic on September 12, or to schedule other childhood or adult vaccinations during any of our regularly scheduled clinics, please call 303-232-6301. Download Tdap clinic flyer.
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