Topics: Immunization, Wellness
At this moment, you may be carrying a deadly disease to those unable to be vaccinated and too vulnerable to survive. This past year we saw epidemic levels of whooping cough across various states due to low vaccination rates among adolescents, teenagers and adults. A simple booster shot could have prevented this and saved lives.
2010 saw the unnecessary death of 10 infants in California who contracted whooping cough and could not recover. Infants do not carry a full level of immunity against the disease until they have completed their childhood vaccine series. They rely on those around them to be vaccinated as an added barrier of immunity from the disease. This type of protection is referred to as herd immunity.
What happens when the herds’ immunity drops? Well, look around. We end up with epidemics of diseases previously perceived by the general public as having been eradicated.
Clinically named Pertussis, Whooping Cough may be spread through close physical contact, sneezing and coughing. It is named for the sound made from the spells of uncontrollable coughs it causes. For infants, this uncontrollable cough can cause suffocation for lack of oxygen and improper breathing.
Whooping Cough is preventable, as are many common diseases in the U.S. All it takes is a shot!
Many of us recognize the importance of immunizing our children, but rarely do we consider our adolescents, our teens, or ourselves as adults!
Why do we need to re-up on our shots? Because the protection of some vaccines diminishes over time, leaving us vulnerable to diseases we were previously immune to. For those around us who are too young or otherwise unable to get vaccinated, our vulnerability could be their kiss of death.
Recently, the CDC changed the recommendations for booster shots for Whooping Cough. All adolescents, teenagers and adults are encouraged to review their vaccine history and receive a dose of Tdap.
In light of the rampant spread of Whooping Cough around the nation, the fact that it’s a disease we can prevent, and that children have died because of it, I ask: Have you had your booster yet?
Make sure you and your loved ones are protected! Get your Tdap…it may just save a life!
NEA HIN has developed brochures for both childhood and adult vaccination. Please refer to these useful guides to help determine which vaccines you and your family may need.