Pertussis Update and Preparing for the Holiday Travel Season

Mark Tompkins, Director of San Juan County Health & Community Services, said, “Whooping cough is very contagious and can be most serious for babies. Most babies who get whooping cough are infected by parents, older siblings, or other caregivers who may not even know they have the disease. Because the disease can make babies so sick, they rely on those around them to give them protection. When family members and caregivers are fully immunized against whooping cough, this provides a ‘cocoon’ around the infant and protects them from the illness.”

If you are a parent, grandparent, or caregiver of an infant, or are planning to spend time with an infant, you are encouraged to consult with a health care provider to make sure your immunizations are up to date. Pregnant women in their third trimester are also encouraged to get vaccinated with the whooping cough, or Tdap, vaccine during the third trimester. This provides the best protection possible for babies and gets them off to a healthy start before they are able to receive their first whooping cough immunizations.

Remember, it takes a community to provide immunity. If you have questions about whooping cough or your immunization status, please contact your health care provider. You may also contact San Juan County Health & Community Services at 360-378-4474.

Additional information about the whooping cough vaccine and protecting babies from whooping cough may be found here:

Protecting Babies from Whooping Cough

Whooping Cough – Information for Parents