Adults & Children Both Need Whooping Cough Booster Shots – Says The Larimer County Health Department

The Larimer County Health Department has issued a reminder that adults need whooping cough or pertussis  booster shots too. In Larimer County there have been pertussis cases in infants less than 1 year of age, as well as seniors over 80-years-old.  Adults can spread it to children and children can spread it to adults.

There are now over 1,100 confirmed cases of whooping cough in Colorado. The number  in Larimer County is 53.

It’s urgent that adults not only update their children’s vaccines, but that the adults check on their own immunization status and get a pertussis booster if needed,” said Susanne Murray, communicable disease nurse.  “.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends infants and children be vaccinated against pertussis beginning the series of shots at 2 months of age.  Immunity to the bacteria that cause whooping cough wears off over time, so booster shots are necessary.   It is recommended that a booster dose of Tdap be given at age 11 or 12 years and for all adolescents and any adult who has not previously received a dose of Tdap.

To help prevent the spread of pertussis :

• Vaccinate infants and children according to established vaccination schedule, including boosters
• Check your vaccination records and get a booster if needed.
• Stay home from school or work and keep children home from daycare when ill.
• See a health care provider if you have symptoms of pertussis
• Take antibiotics for pertussis as directed for five full days before returning to school, work or other social groups.
• Don’t visit elderly relatives or friends, hospitals or nursing homes if you have a cold or cough, or if you’ve been exposed to pertussis in the past 3 weeks.

[Larimer County Health Department]