In the face of a growing number of reported infections of pertussis, many state health departments are encouraging adolescents and adults to get the TDaP vaccine to help stop spread of whooping cough. In Illinois, the state legislature’s new law expanding access to the TDaP vaccine allows pharmacists to administer the vaccine. The law took effect on July 1, just in time to make it easier and less expensive for many students who are headed back to school to get the vaccine.

The Northwest Herald underscores the importance of getting the vaccine, even if people were vaccinated as an infant: “Although most children are vaccinated against pertussis as infants, protection wanes over time. This puts pre-teens, teenagers and adults at risk for the illness. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a booster shot for everyone ages 11 and older.”

Read more: McHenry County Department of Health begins whooping cough campaign

http://www.nwherald.com/2012/08/30/mchenry-county-department-of-health-begins-whooping-cough-campaign/alp89d5/