California Facing Pertussis Epidemic; Dept. of Public Health Urges Vaccinations
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that the number of pertussis cases reported in California this year has increased four-fold compared to the same time period in 2009. If current trends continue, California could experience the largest pertussis epidemic in 50 years despite widely available pertussis vaccine for children, adolescents and adults.
CDPH recommends Tdap (tetanus, reduced diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) vaccination for children and health care providers. To protect infants who are too young to be vaccinated, anyone with potential infant contact should also be vaccinated. CDPH is making additional Tdap vaccine available at no charge to eligible hospitals to immunize post-partum women and their close household contacts. Physicians are also reminded that pertussis immunity from previous infection or vaccination wanes over time. A pertussis vaccine for adolescents and adults has been available since 2005.
Click here more information on the pertussis epidemic from the CDPH website. Click here for the American Academy of Pediatrics clinical guidelines for physicians providing care for infants with pertussis.
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