Tdap Clinics - A Shot For Adults To Protect Babies
Cases of pertussis - also known as whooping cough - are currently at a high level in Monroe County. Pertussis is very contagious and can cause serious illness and sometimes death in infants who have yet to be vaccinated and, therefore, are unprotected.
Close contacts of infants and young children should get a Tdap shot to stay healthy and prevent spreading the illness. Close contacts include: new parents, grandparents, day care workers and health care workers.
The CDC also issued new recommendations this year, so the health department will give a Tdap booster to anyone who fits the following criteria..
Adults aged 19 through 64 years should receive a single dose of Tdap. (Children in NY state must receive Tdap prior to 6th grade entry).
Timing of Tdap
• Can be administered regardless of interval since the last tetanus- or diphtheria-toxoid containing vaccine.
Adults Aged 65 years and Older
• Those who have or anticipate having close contact with an infant aged less than 12 months should receive a single dose of Tdap.
• Other adults ages 65 years and older may be given a single dose of Tdap.
The Monroe County Health Department is hosting FREE Tdap clinics for adults, as follows:
On the following Mondays: March 14, 21 and 28 from 5-8 p.m. at their office at 111 Westfall Road. (corner of Westfall and West Henrietta Rd, enter through south door and go to the left to Immunization Clinic)
Further information on these important clinics is available by calling 753-5150.
Don’t miss this opportunity to receive this important vaccine for free!
Jeanne Flanagan
Health Services
03/11/2011 |