Rutland
posted
Dec 5, 2012
To date there at least 33 reported cases of Pertussis (Whooping
Cough) in Rutland County. Pertussis is an acute disease of the
respiratory system. People can catch it at any age and at any time
of the year. It is contagious, and serious complications are most
common among children under the age of one year, including
pneumonia, brain inflammation, and in rare cases, death.
To help prevent any additional cases of pertussis in our area,
Rutland Regional Women and Children's Services along with Rutland
Area Visiting Nurses Association & Hospice (RAVNAH) have joined
forces to offer a free Tdap Vaccine Clinic on Wednesday, Dec. 5
from 3 - 5:30 p.m. at RAVNAH.
The Tdap Vaccine is an immunization given to protect against
Tetanus, Diphtheria and specifically Pertussis. Any adult currently
acting as the primary caregiver or who, in the immediate future,
will be caring for a newborn or infant under the age of one year
old should get the Tdap Vaccine. Newborn infants are at the highest
risk for catching pertussis. Pregnant women over the 20 week
gestation period are also encouraged to come on Wednesday to get
vaccinated. RAVNAH is located at 7 Albert Cree Drive in
Rutland.
For more information about this disease visit The Vermont
Department of Health website or RRMC.org.
