Important Announcement: QVHD is closely monitoring the community spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please direct all general questions to the state's hotline by dialing 2-1-1 or call 833-ASK-YNHH (833-275-9644). Anyone experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) is strongly urged to contact their medical provider to seek treatment. For additional information, visit our information page at www.qvhd.org/coronavirus-preparedness or ct.gov/coronavirus.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
PROTECT THE INFANT YOU CARE FOR BY PROTECTING YOURSELF
Quinnipiack Valley Health District is no longer offering Tdap* immunizations to contacts of infants. However, it is important that parents, grandparents, babysitters and other close household contacts of infants less than one year old get immunized with Tdap if they have never had a pertussis booster shot. Infants are not fully protected against pertussis until they are one year old. Pertussis can be deadly for infants.
*Tdap is a combination vaccine that contains 3 components: Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.
|
PLACES THAT MAY PROVIDE Tdap INCLUDE LOCAL PHARMACIES, YOUR PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR, OR SEVERAL AREA HEALTH DEPARTMENTS. CALL TO FIND OUT IF Tdap IS AVAILABLE: EAST SHORE HEALTH DISTRICT, BRANFORD 203-481-4233 NAUGATUCK VALLEY HEALTH DISTRICT, SEYMOUR 203-881-3255 NEW HAVEN HEALTH DEPARTMENT 203-946-6999 WEST HAVEN HEALTH DEPARTMENT 203-937-3661 POMPORAUG HEALTH DISTRICT, SOUTHBURY 203-264-9616
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WHY WHOOPING COUGH IS SERIOUS
Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a serious disease that is spreading across the United States and in Connecticut. It is very contagious that can be passed easily from person to person. It is very serious for babies and can cause them to cough so much that they can not breathe. Hundreds of babies are hospitalized each year for whooping cough and some die from it.
Whooping cough can cause adults or teens to have severe coughing that leads to vomiting or broken ribs. They can be hospitalized for pneumonia and miss weeks of work or school. Even worse, they can spread whooping cough to the babies at home.
WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
GET YOUR TETANUS BOOSTER (Tdap)
Everybody in the family should be immunized against whooping cough to protect themselves and the baby at home.
MAKE SURE YOUR CHILDREN ARE UP-TO-DATE ON THEIR IMMUNIZATIONS
Children 7 years of age and older can also get the new Tdap booster. Infants and toddlers need four shots against whooping cough and a booster before starting kindergarten. Contact your child's health care provider.
COVER YOUR COUGH AND WASH YOUR HANDS
Whooping cough is spread by coughing. Remind everyone to cover their mouths when coughing and to wash their hands often.
PROTECT YOURSELF! PROTECT YOUR FAMILY!
GET IMMUNIZED!
For more information visit the CDC Tdap Vaccine Information Sheet.
