Since the beginning of the year, 2,774 cases have been reported in California, with 124 whooping cough cases reported in our county. The numbers are significant – there were only 395 cases reported in the entire state for the same period last year. Seven infants have died this year from this disease.
Since infants don’t have immunity and need numerous vaccines to get the protection the vaccine offers, we can safeguard them by making sure the adults, family members and caregivers who are with them get the whooping cough vaccine. Often times, they are the ones who spread whooping cough to the babies they love, so it becomes critically important that anyone over 7 years old living with or caring for a baby get a shot.
The Public Health Department is offering free whooping cough shots at four upcoming community clinics. We are providing the vaccine to people over 7 years old living with or caring for a baby. The attached flyer (in English and Spanish) provides more information, including clinic information. We’ve also attached a sample of a possible community announcement for you to use. Since this disease typically peaks at this time of year, it is a good time for those who haven’t already to get the whooping cough shot.
For vaccination information, call 408.885.3980.
For more information about whooping cough, visit www.sccphd.org.
For clinic locations, click here.