Escambia Health Department: Get Vaccinated Against Whooping Cough

November 26, 2017

The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) reminds everyone to get vaccinated, and stay vaccinated, against pertussis. Pertussis, commonly known as “whooping cough,” is a vaccine-preventable illness, but can be highly contagious to non-vaccinated and under-vaccinated individuals. The disease is easily passed among individuals in close contact with one another. Pertussis can be especially dangerous to newborn infants who are too young to get vaccinated. This illness is also serious for people with weakened immune systems and for older adults.

“Pertussis easily spreads within families and in other settings where there are close contacts among individuals, such as households, schools, and group child care situations,” said FDOH-Escambia’s Director, Dr. John Lanza. “Because pertussis can be so dangerous for infants, it is important that as many people as possible get vaccinated and stay vaccinated.”

– Pertussis is very contagious and is spread from person to person through the droplets from a cough. The main symptom is a cough that lasts for two weeks to several months. The cough can be very serious. Individuals may be unable to catch their breath and begin to turn blue. Severe coughs can also lead to vomiting, sleep loss, weight loss, nose bleeds, rib fractures, hernia and even pneumonia. In infants, the cough may have a “whoop” sound at the end.

– Individuals who have these symptoms, and those who have a cough and have been exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with pertussis, should see a doctor.

– Everyone should talk with their physician about getting vaccinated. Individuals aged six weeks and older are eligible for the pertussis vaccine. The vaccine is available at FDOH-Escambia and from many private physicians.

– Previously-vaccinated persons may need a vaccine booster if there is going to be a newborn in their home, or they are going to be around older adults or individuals with poor immune function.

Comments

2 Responses to “Escambia Health Department: Get Vaccinated Against Whooping Cough”

  1. Walnut Hill Roy on November 29th, 2017 1:21 pm

    I received the DPT vaccine roughly 9 years ago, I wonder if it is still viable?

  2. No Excuses on November 27th, 2017 1:25 pm

    I received the DPT vaccine a few years ago. How long is the vaccine good for the pertussis part of it? I know the tetanus is supposed to be 6 years.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News