Push to prevent spread of pertussis

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - At the Peninsula Health Center in Newport News, Jeneen Hamilton took a seat and got ready for a Tdap shot, a vaccine used to prevent the spread of whooping cough.

"I'm going to be brave and do it. I have a grandson and, you know, if I can prevent him from getting anything, that's what I want to do," Hamilton said.

Dr. David Trump, Director of the Peninsula Health District, said more adults should follow Hamilton's lead.

"Adults may not be, and usually are not as sick as the infant, but can have a persistent cough that can last three weeks or longer and during that time, they can be transmitting it, being at risk of spreading it, to the people around them," said Trump.

If your little one gets sick, it could be difficult for you to listen to the cough, but it is more painful for your baby.

"In kids that have it, in infants that have it, they are short of breath. They are so short of breath that most pediatricians, if they are suspecting whooping cough, they are going to hospitalize that infant, make sure they don't die as a result of whooping cough. It can happen," Trump added.

However, the spread of whooping cough can be prevented.

"We're encouraging those adults, especially those who are going to be around infants and young children to get a dose of the Tdap vaccine," Trump explained.

Trump said many insurance carriers cover the cost of the Tdap vaccine. Not to mention, many health care facilities, like the Peninsula Health Center, give it for free.

Just a quick prick of a needle will protect those you love most.

"It was real quick. 1, 2, 3 and she was done," Hamilton said moments after she got her Tdap vaccination.

Tdap vaccine is available free of charge at the following health department immunization clinics:

• Peninsula Health Center, 416 J Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News
  • Walk-in times are: Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • For more information, call the Clinic Monday – Thursday at (757) 594-7410

• Hampton Health Department, 3130 Victoria Blvd., Hampton
  • Walk-in times are: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • For more information, call the Clinic Monday – Friday at (757) 727-1172, ext 21717

The health department also can bring the Tdap booster vaccine to a child care program or other
activity that cares for infants and young children. If interested, call the immunization clinics for
more information.

Tdap vaccine is particularly recommended for:

• Pregnant women (after 20 weeks gestation)
• Anyone who has contact with an infant less than 12 months of age (household members, grandparents, health care workers and child care providers)