Whooping Cough Vaccinations Offered November 16

Due to the recent Pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak, McHenry County Department of Health and Dominick’s Pharmacy have partnered to offer a walk-in community clinic to further prevent the spread of whooping cough. 

Vaccinations will be offered for the Tetanus, reduced Diptheria and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals aged 11 through 64 years receive a Tdap vaccine regardless of when the last Tetanus-Ditheria (Td) vaccine was given. In addition, adults ages 65 and older who have contact with infants should receive a Tdap vaccine.

Who:   Any individual 11 years or older not vaccinated with Tdap

Children 18 years and younger must present with parent and an up to date immunization record.

Where:

McHenry County Department of Health (Crystal Lake Clinic Facility)

100 N. Virginia Ave.

Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

Wednesday, November 16th from 2:30PM to 7PM

Cost:                   $50.00 per individual

Medicaid accepted for individuals ages 11 and up. Must present with current card.

$15.00 for uninsured and underinsured individuals ages 11-18 years.

$15.00 for uninsured adults ages 19 and older that meet income requirements (proof of income must be presented).

HELP US PREVENT THE SPREAD OF PERTUSSIS IN OUR COMMUNITIES BY GETTING VACCINATED.

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious disease and is generally transmitted person to person while coughing or sneezing. Whooping cough can last for several weeks and eventually lead to complications like pneumonia, encephalitis or pulmonary hypertension. In case of infants, this disease may lead to brain damage which can eventually cause death. Some of the most common symptoms include cough, runny nose, vomiting and sneezing. These symptoms may start appearing after the incubation period which is typically 7-14 days.

For more information, contact McHenry County Dept of Health at 815-334-4500 or visit www.mcdh.info.

Whooping Cough Vaccination For Adults

McHenry County Department of Health has scheduled an adult vaccination clinic at its Crystal Lake location (100 N Virginia Street) on Friday July 23 (noon-4pm) for residents aged 19 to 64 years to receive the Tdap vaccine. Tdap is a combination vaccine of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) which is specially formulated to provide protection among adolescents and adults. Appointments are required at 815-334-4500; the cost is $50 (cash or check only). Medicaid is accepted. Adults are recommended to receive a Td booster every 10 years and a one-time Tdap booster should be substituted.

“Although Tdap is a combination vaccine, it is the pertussis protection that is crucial for adolescents and adults,” states Wanda Martinez, MCDH Clinic Supervisor. “Protection of parents, caregivers and other household members provides a circle of protection to infants during a time when they are most vulnerable of contracting the disease.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several states are reporting increased cases of pertussis among teens and babies as compared to the same time last year. Multiple factors have likely contributed to the increase including waning immunity from childhood pertussis vaccines (5-10 years), increased recognition, better diagnostic testing and increased reporting.

Pertussis is highly contagious and is usually spread by coughing or sneezing. It usually starts with cold-like symptoms and a mild cough; it is often not suspected or diagnosed until a persistent cough with spasms sets in after 1-2 weeks. Getting vaccinated with Tdap is especially important for family members/caregivers of newborns and infants less than one year of age. Pertussis is most severe for babies. Many infants who get pertussis are infected by older siblings, parents or other caregivers who might not even know they have the disease.

For more information on the pertussis vaccine, visit www.mcdh.info, Personal Health Services.