Tdap Update

Last week, Washtenaw County issued new recommendations for use of the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine.  All of these people are due for a single Tdap dose: anybody 11-18 who's finished the recommended vaccine course; any adult aged 19 through 64; and any adults 65 or over in close contact with an infant.  It doesn't matter when these people got their last tetanus or diphtheria (Td) shot. They're due for a booster.

 

Earlier this month, St Joe's Health System mandated that its 7000 employees get influenza and pertussis vaccines.  So far, over 95% have complied.

 

There were 81 whooping cough cases reported in Washtenaw County in 2009; and last year, as of December 20th, there were 232 reported in 2010.  Many of those patients--especially children and infants--hadn't been vaccinated.

 

Let's fix that!

 

 

http://www.annarbor.com/news/st-joseph-mercy-hospitals-make-flu-whooping-cough-vaccinations-mandatory-for-employees/

 

http://www.annarbor.com/health/washtenaw-county-isnt-isolated-in/

 

http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/public_health/news/2010-news-stories/pertussis-whooping-cough-cases-at-all-time-high