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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

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.